On Sunday, the Gaza Strip witnessed a tragic escalation in violence as 17 Palestinians were killed and many others injured due to a series of Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling across different regions. The latest reports indicate that 16 Palestinians have been martyred since dawn today, with the death toll continuing to rise amidst ongoing attacks. Medical sources confirmed that four martyrs and 15 wounded individuals were transported to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital following an Israeli bombardment targeting a residential house in Deir al-Balah, located in central Gaza.
In Khan Yunis, four additional martyrs were reported as a result of an Israeli airstrike on a house north of Rafah city. Furthermore, two Palestinians lost their lives due to Israeli artillery shelling in Khuza’a, while another was killed by an Israeli quadcopter attack near al-Nuseirat camp. Reports from Al Jazeera highlighted that seven Palestinians were killed in a bombardment that struck Kafr Qasim School, which serves as a shelter for displaced individuals in the Al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City.
The violence continued as Israeli artillery shelled various neighborhoods in Gaza City, including Sheikh Ajlin and Tal al-Hawa, while helicopters provided aerial support with gunfire. The Al-Zeitoun neighborhood experienced intense explosions and artillery fire, further escalating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Local sources reported ongoing Israeli military operations in Rafah, including the demolition of residential buildings, exacerbating the already dire situation for residents who have faced years of siege and conflict.
Since the onset of hostilities on October 7, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly, with over 137,000 Palestinians reported as either martyrs or injured, and over 10,000 individuals missing. The international community has raised concerns regarding the humanitarian implications of the ongoing military operations, particularly in densely populated areas like Rafah, which is now overwhelmed with displaced persons.
