Rising Casualties in Gaza Amid Ongoing Israeli Airstrikes
In a devastating escalation of violence, Israeli airstrikes have claimed the lives of at least 21 individuals across various locations in the Gaza Strip since dawn on Thursday, according to medical sources reported by Al Jazeera. Among the victims are six members of the Azzam family, including three children, who were killed in a bombardment of their home in Jabalia al-Balad.
The violence continued with a tragic attack on a residential apartment in southern Gaza City, where five Palestinians, including two young girls and a woman, lost their lives. The Civil Defense in the region confirmed these deaths, highlighting the severe impact of the ongoing conflict on civilian life.
Displaced Families Under Fire
The situation for displaced families remains dire as Israeli forces opened fire on tents in the Al-Mawasi area, west of Rafah City, resulting in injuries among the displaced, who were subsequently transported to a Red Cross field hospital. Further attacks targeted tents in Al-Qadisiyah, northwest of Khan Yunis, causing extensive damage and instilling fear among residents.
In a particularly alarming incident, children in the Nuseirat camp were injured when an Israeli drone dropped a bomb near them. The ongoing violence has left the civilian population in a state of constant fear and uncertainty, with many families losing their homes and loved ones.
Resistance Efforts Amidst Destruction
In response to the airstrikes, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for an ambush on an Israeli military convoy near Rafah. They reported successfully detonating an armored personnel carrier and targeting additional military vehicles with specialized explosives.
Since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2023, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated dramatically, with reports indicating over 136,000 casualties, predominantly among children and women, and more than 10,000 individuals unaccounted for. The destruction of infrastructure and the onset of famine have compounded the tragedy, leaving many in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.
