Israeli forces have intensified their military operations across Gaza on July 16, 2024, resulting in a significant increase in Palestinian casualties. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that at least 49 Palestinians were killed and 69 injured in various areas of Gaza over the past 24 hours. A particularly deadly strike occurred in Khan Yunis, where 13 Palestinians were killed and over 25 injured near the Attar station.The Israeli military claims to have targeted militants, tunnels, and infrastructure. However, Palestinian officials and eyewitnesses report that many of the casualties were civilians, including women and children. In central Gaza, strikes killed 24 people, including 10 women and four children, according to hospital records.The conflict has seen retaliation from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who have launched anti-tank rockets and mortar fire against Israeli forces. The ongoing violence has pushed the total death toll since October 7, 2023, to 38,713 Palestinians, with 89,166 injured.International mediators continue to push for a ceasefire, but talks have stalled due to what Hamas calls recent Israeli ‘massacres’. The United States, while defending Israel’s right to self-defense, has expressed concern over the ‘unacceptably high’ number of civilian casualties.The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with the UN estimating it would take 15 years and over $500 million to clear the war rubble. The conflict has forced 90% of Gaza’s population to flee their homes, exacerbating an already critical situation.
Key points
- Israeli strikes across Gaza killed at least 49 Palestinians and injured 69 in the past 24 hours.
- A strike in Khan Yunis resulted in 13 Palestinian deaths and over 25 injuries.
- The total Palestinian death toll since October 7, 2023, has risen to 38,713, with 89,166 injured.
- Ceasefire talks have stalled due to recent Israeli ‘massacres’, according to Hamas.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported number of casualties.
While most sources agree on 13 deaths in Khan Yunis, the total number of deaths in the past 24 hours varies between sources, with some reporting 35 and others 49.
