Israeli forces conducted a series of deadly attacks in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, hitting a refugee camp in the north, a hospital in the south, and residential areas, resulting in numerous casualties, according to Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses.
In the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, Israeli strikes killed at least 90 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry spokesperson. Another missile attack targeted a house belonging to the Shehab family, resulting in the death of 24 people, including the son of Dawoud Shehab, the spokesperson of the Hamas-ally Islamic Jihad.
Medics reported that dozens of people were killed or wounded in the Shehab family home and nearby buildings. Rescue efforts were hampered due to the intensity of Israeli fire, making it challenging to remove rubble and recover victims.
In central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah, 12 Palestinians were killed, and dozens were wounded, while an air strike on a house in Rafah in the south left at least four people dead.
The Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis was also struck by an Israeli tank shell, resulting in the death of a 13-year-old girl named Dina Abu Mehsen. Abu Mehsen had lost family members, including her father, mother, and two siblings, in a previous shelling incident a few weeks ago.
Israeli authorities asserted that their operations targeted militant positions and emphasized their efforts to avoid civilian casualties.
The conflict has escalated despite international calls for a ceasefire. The Israeli government expressed determination to continue its operations until Hamas, the ruling authority in Gaza, is dismantled. However, hopes for a ceasefire and potential hostage releases were briefly raised over the weekend.
On Saturday, sources reported that Israel’s spy chief had a conversation with the Prime Minister of Qatar, which has previously mediated ceasefire agreements. While both Israel and Hamas indicated openness to a renewed ceasefire and hostage release, disagreements remain on the implementation details.
Egypt, another mediator in the conflict, expressed that both parties were open to a ceasefire, though challenges persisted in reaching a consensus on the terms. The situation remains fluid, and international efforts are ongoing to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and bring about a cessation of hostilities.
In a positive development, the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and Gaza opened for aid trucks on Sunday, allowing for the delivery of essential supplies. This move aims to increase the flow of food and medicine to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to visit Israel later for meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials. The international community continues to closely monitor the situation, urging all parties to exercise restraint and work towards a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
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