Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Result in 18 Deaths Amid Escalating Conflict
In a chilling escalation of violence, at least 18 Palestinians were killed during Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip late Monday, following a devastating day that saw 89 fatalities, including 31 civilians seeking humanitarian assistance, reports 24brussels.
The recent bombings struck densely populated regions in Khan Younis and Gaza City, coinciding with Israel’s decision to intensify its military operations aimed at occupying Gaza City and displacing its residents. The airstrikes come as part of a broader strategy approved by the Israeli cabinet amidst ongoing hostilities.
Medical officials at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported the arrival of five bodies along with numerous injured individuals following an aerial attack on a tent sheltering displaced civilians in the Al-Majayda region. In Gaza City, four members of the Al-Hosari family lost their lives when their residence near Al-Farouk Mosque in the Zeitoun neighborhood was bombed. Strikes also struck the Al-Sahaba and Al-Nadeem areas, where entire families were believed to be trapped under debris.
The Civil Defense of Gaza highlighted that the deaths occurred early Tuesday amidst an unprecedented surge in air assaults. Spokesperson Mahmoud Basel, who has been on hunger strike in protest against Israel’s blockade, condemned the relentless bombardments: “For the third consecutive day, Israel has bombed Zeitoun and Sabra with all types of weapons. A single projectile can destroy five homes at once.”
The Ministry of Health revealed that in the last 24 hours alone, 100 civilians were killed, with 11 bodies recovered from the rubble and 513 individuals injured. The extensive military campaign, launched on October 7, 2023, has reportedly resulted in over 61,499 Palestinian deaths and 153,575 injuries. The humanitarian crisis continues to deteriorate, with reports indicating 222 deaths from starvation, including 101 children, as access to essential aid remains severely restricted.
