Image Credits- Qatar News Agency
Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of 37 Palestinians across central and southern Gaza. The intense bombardment, which began early on Friday, has left several others injured and has severely damaged residential areas and infrastructure.
The Israeli military confirmed the airstrikes, stating that they were targeting what they described as Hamas facilities and military infrastructure in response to ongoing rocket fire from Gaza into Israeli territory. The strikes have been part of a broader campaign to suppress militant activities, according to Israeli sources.
Local officials report widespread devastation in the affected areas, with homes reduced to rubble and crucial infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, sustaining significant damage. Emergency services are struggling to manage the scale of casualties and the destruction of essential services, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
The death toll includes a significant number of civilians, with reports indicating that several families have been displaced due to the destruction of their homes.
Ahmad Abu Zaid, a 45-year-old school teacher from Khan Younis, Fatima al-Masri, a 38-year-old mother of four from Deir al-Balah, Mohamed al-Haj, a 29-year-old farmer from Rafah were among those who were killed in this bombardment. International organizations have expressed grave concern over the rising number of casualties and the deteriorating living conditions in Gaza.
International reactions have varied, with calls from several global leaders and organizations for both sides to de-escalate the conflict and prioritize civilian safety. The UN has urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities and has called for urgent humanitarian assistance to address the needs of those affected.
The ongoing violence underscores the fragile and volatile nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has seen periodic escalations of violence over the years.