Escalating Conflict: Israeli Strikes Claim Dozens of Lives in Gaza City

Thu Oct 16 2025 12:28:28 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed over 80 Palestinians in Gaza City as military operations intensify, with grave humanitarian implications and ongoing hostilities amid international diplomatic efforts.

In a severe escalation of violence, Israeli airstrikes have led to the death of more than 80 Palestinians, many of whom were women and children, in Gaza City. The Israeli military is conducting ground operations with claims of targeting Hamas fighters. As local hospitals face overwhelming casualties and humanitarian conditions deteriorate rapidly, diplomatic efforts for peace continue amidst the conflict.

More than 80 Palestinians were reported killed by Israeli fire across Gaza on Wednesday, with most casualties occurring in Gaza City, according to local hospitals. Among those deceased were women and children, particularly in an attack that struck a building and tents sheltering displaced families near Firas market in the central Daraj neighborhood overnight.

While the Israeli military confirmed the targeting of two Hamas fighters, they asserted that the casualty figures cited did not align with their data. As military operations progressed, Israeli tanks and troops advanced further into Gaza City, which they assert is the last holdout of Hamas.

The ground offensive, according to Israeli military statements, aims to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and to achieve a decisive defeat of the group. Amidst relentless bombardment, many Gaza residents have fled, driven by dire humanitarian conditions as health and essential services reach a breaking point. In the latest reports, hundreds of thousands are still believed to remain trapped in the city.

Separately, US special envoy Steve Witkoff disclosed that President Trump had discussed a '21-point plan for peace' with Arab leaders during the UN General Assembly, signaling potential diplomatic pathways amid the unfolding humanitarian disaster.

Human rights organizations have condemned the violence, highlighting the rising civilian death toll and warning that tactics employed by the Israeli military appear designed to instill terror among civilians. The ongoing conflict, which began after a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October 2023, has reportedly left at least 65,419 Palestinians dead due to Israeli strikes since its onset.