The Gaza Strip has experienced a severe escalation of violence due to Israeli airstrikes, which have tragically claimed the lives of at least 15 Palestinians and inflicted injuries on many others in recent attacks. The latest series of bombings targeted residential areas and critical infrastructure, including a Red Cross office and a refugee camp, causing widespread destruction and panic among the civilian population . The Palestinian Ministry of Health has reported a harrowing total of over 37,000 Palestinian deaths, including 15,517 children and 10,279 women, since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023. Additionally, the number of Palestinians wounded has risen to over 85,000 .The Israeli military has launched what it describes as the third phase of its operation in Gaza, involving extensive aerial bombardments. While the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim to have destroyed Hamas military sites and infrastructure, there has been a notable increase in civilian casualties, with entire residential blocks being reduced to rubble. The IDF has also reported targeting armed cells and locating weapons and tunnel access points in Rafah and the Netzarim Corridor.The intensity of the conflict has also sparked tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border, raising fears of a wider regional conflict involving Hezbollah. American officials have expressed concerns about the potential for a direct confrontation between Tel Aviv and the Lebanese militant group. As the Israeli military continues its operations, including the use of tanks to fire on areas designated as ‘safe zones,’ the Palestinian death toll continues to climb.The international community has condemned the disproportionate impact on civilians, and humanitarian aid convoys have begun to enter Gaza to provide medical supplies, food, and other necessities through the Rafah crossing. Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire, with rescue teams struggling to reach victims still trapped under the rubble. The Israeli government has stated that there is no agreement to stop the shelling in southern Gaza, and the agreement includes the removal of foreigners in exchange for aid.
Key points
- At least 15 Palestinians killed in recent Israeli airstrikes on Gaza Strip and Rafah.
- Over 37,000 Palestinians, including 15,517 children and 10,279 women, reported killed since conflict began.
- International community condemns high civilian toll and commences humanitarian aid convoys.
