At least 48 Palestinians have been reported killed following Israeli air strikes in northern Gaza, with significant numbers being children and women, prompting urgent calls to the UN for action to prevent further humanitarian crisis.
Escalating Violence: Israeli Air Strikes Claim 48 Lives in Gaza
Escalating Violence: Israeli Air Strikes Claim 48 Lives in Gaza
Overnight attacks in northern Gaza leave numerous casualties, heightening international concern.
At least 48 Palestinians have been killed overnight in a series of Israeli air strikes targeting northern Gaza, according to a report from a local hospital. The strikes occurred in Jabalia town and nearby refugee camps, impacting residential areas and reportedly resulting in the deaths of 22 children and 15 women. Disturbing footage has emerged showing numerous bodies on the floor after the attacks.
The Israeli military has stated that it is investigating the incident, having previously advised residents of Jabalia and surrounding areas to evacuate due to rocket fire from a Palestinian armed group aimed at Israel. This escalation comes amid a growing humanitarian crisis, with the UN's humanitarian affairs chief, Tom Fletcher, urging the Security Council to act swiftly to prevent what he termed a potential "genocide" in Gaza.
Fletcher condemned Israel for enforcing what he described as inhumane conditions on civilians and demanded the lifting of the ongoing blockade. He also criticized a joint Israeli-US plan aimed at controlling the distribution of humanitarian aid. In contrast, Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, accused foreign aid efforts of supporting Hamas instead of aiding civilians in need.
In further developments, U.S. Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Adam Boehler are set to visit Qatar for talks aimed at securing a ceasefire and resolving issues surrounding hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to intensify the military offensive unless Hamas agrees to release 58 hostages currently held.
Tragically, earlier strikes on the European hospital complex in southern Gaza have claimed the lives of at least 28 individuals. The Israeli military characterized this strike as targeting prominent Hamas figures operating in a command center beneath the hospital, amidst ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas in response to the cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which left approximately 1,200 people dead and led to 251 others being taken captive. Since this conflict began, the Hamas-run health ministry reports over 52,908 fatalities in Gaza.
