Death Toll Rises in Israeli Bombardment of Gaza Strip
In a devastating escalation of violence, over 50 Palestinians have been reported killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip since dawn today. Among the deceased are 43 individuals from the northern Gaza Strip, including three journalists who lost their lives during an Israeli bombardment of a UNRWA school in Al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City. A medical source from the Baptist Hospital confirmed that the school, which was sheltering displaced individuals, suffered a direct hit, resulting in nine fatalities and 20 injuries, many of whom are in critical condition.
This attack marks the second strike on the school within a week, following a previous airstrike on October 19 that resulted in 10 deaths, including children and women. The Israeli military has been increasingly targeting facilities housing displaced persons, raising concerns about potential war crimes and genocide against civilians, particularly women and children, in Gaza.
Ongoing Violence and Humanitarian Crisis
Reports indicate that the violence is not limited to the Al-Shati area. Israeli bombardments have also occurred in the Saftawi area, the Al-Zeitoun neighborhood, and the Al-Mawasi region, with casualties reported across these locations. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has stated that Israeli attacks in the northern Gaza Strip have resulted in approximately 800 deaths since the onset of the current conflict, which began on October 5.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with the health care system severely compromised due to ongoing air and ground assaults. Medical teams have been unable to reach many bombed sites, exacerbating the crisis as over 143,500 individuals have been reported as either dead or wounded since the beginning of the conflict, with a significant portion being children and the elderly.
Resistance and International Response
In response to the ongoing military actions, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, released footage of their fighters engaging Israeli soldiers in Jabalia camp. The clip depicted a calculated ambush, highlighting the escalating military confrontations in the region.
Despite widespread condemnation and calls for a ceasefire, including a UN Security Council resolution urging an end to hostilities, Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, ignoring international pleas. The situation remains dire as humanitarian aid struggles to reach those in need amidst the violence.
