At least 69 Palestinians have been reported killed due to escalating Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, amid international pressure for a ceasefire. The Israeli military asserts targeted operations against Hamas, while humanitarian crises grow, with thousands displaced and urgent calls for aid.
Escalating Conflict: Gaza Death Toll Rises Amid Intensified Israeli Strikes
Escalating Conflict: Gaza Death Toll Rises Amid Intensified Israeli Strikes
Recent airstrikes in Gaza have left dozens dead as international calls for ceasefire negotiations intensify.
At least 69 people have been reported killed across Gaza due to intensifying Israeli airstrikes on Thursday, according to sources from the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency. Strikes struck multiple sites, including one incident that claimed the lives of 15 individuals at a school used as a shelter for displaced families in Gaza City, drawing condemnation and distress from rescue agencies.
The Israeli military claimed that the bombing targeted a significant Hamas operative in the area, but counters from the Civil Defence agency report that many victims included women and children. Moreover, during attempts to secure aid, at least 38 individuals lost their lives. The Israeli military denied these casualty reports, labeling them as "lies."
International pressure mounts on both Israel and Hamas to achieve a ceasefire and agree to a hostage release proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite Trump's announcement that Israel had consented to "necessary conditions" for a 60-day ceasefire, obstacles persist in reaching a final agreement, with Hamas still seeking a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported targeting around 150 "terror targets" over a 24-hour span, insisting that significant precautions were taken to prevent civilian casualties. Witness accounts, however, depict sheer devastation; one individual, Wafaa al-Arqan, recalled a scene where a tent collapsed, resulting in horrific losses among families. Many residents express disillusionment with claims of safety in designated zones.
As the conflict unfolds, witnesses recount families losing loved ones while attempting to reach aid distribution sites. Medical sources in Khan Younis confirmed that numerous individuals have been targeted while en route to such gatherings.
On the operational front, the Israeli military acknowledged the complexities faced and insisted on learning from these tragedies. However, they firmly disputed the high casualty claims associated with aid centers.
The humanitarian crisis deepens, with reports citing at least 57,130 deaths in Gaza since the conflict's recent escalation following a Hamas attack on Israel which left around 1,200 Israelis dead. As international organizations scrutinize Israel’s operations and the humanitarian implications, the quest for a resolution intensifies amid persistent violence and loss in the region.
