At least 32 people have been killed in a wave of Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, according to local authorities. The civil defence agency, operated by Hamas, reported that children and women were among those killed. In one attack, helicopter gunships targeted a tent sheltering displaced individuals in the city of Khan Younis. Palestinians have described these strikes as the most severe since the second phase of a ceasefire that began earlier this month.
The Israeli military confirmed the strikes in response to what it alleged was a violation of the ceasefire by Hamas. Both sides have been trading accusations of violating the truce since it was implemented, with the IDF claiming to have targeted eight identified terrorists along with significant strategic locations in Gaza.
Hamas condemned the strikes and called on the US to intervene, labeling the actions as part of Israel's ongoing campaign against Palestinians. Reports indicate that at least seven victims belonged to one displaced family. Civilian hospitals reported numerous casualties, including children and women, as airstrikes hit residential buildings.
The escalation follows announcements regarding the reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing and increases calls for restraint from international parties, including Egypt and Qatar, which have been involved in mediation efforts throughout the conflict. Nearly 72,000 Palestinians are estimated to have lost their lives in the war since October 2023, with a significant toll on civilians and ongoing humanitarian concerns in the region.
The Israeli military confirmed the strikes in response to what it alleged was a violation of the ceasefire by Hamas. Both sides have been trading accusations of violating the truce since it was implemented, with the IDF claiming to have targeted eight identified terrorists along with significant strategic locations in Gaza.
Hamas condemned the strikes and called on the US to intervene, labeling the actions as part of Israel's ongoing campaign against Palestinians. Reports indicate that at least seven victims belonged to one displaced family. Civilian hospitals reported numerous casualties, including children and women, as airstrikes hit residential buildings.
The escalation follows announcements regarding the reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing and increases calls for restraint from international parties, including Egypt and Qatar, which have been involved in mediation efforts throughout the conflict. Nearly 72,000 Palestinians are estimated to have lost their lives in the war since October 2023, with a significant toll on civilians and ongoing humanitarian concerns in the region.
