Image Credits: Al Jazeera
Israeli airstrikes have claimed the lives of at least 21 people, according to reports from the ground. The majority of casualties occurred in Khan Younis, in the southern part of Gaza, where 18 individuals were killed. Additional fatalities include two in Gaza City and one in the Nuseirat refugee camp, situated centrally in the enclave.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent, Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Deir el-Balah, noted that Israeli warplanes are also targeting the eastern areas of the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. These attacks add to the rising death toll in Israel’s current military offensive in Gaza.
Since the conflict began, at least 39,175 people have lost their lives, and 90,403 have been injured in Gaza. In contrast, the Hamas-led attacks on October 7 have resulted in an estimated 1,139 deaths in Israel, with dozens of Israelis still held captive in Gaza.
In a parallel development, Major General Ori Gordin, the chief of Israel’s Northern Command, revealed that Israeli forces have killed approximately 500 people in Lebanon over the past nine months, primarily targeting Hezbollah militants. Addressing the Golani Brigade in northern Israel, Gordin emphasized the strategic importance of these operations.
“Our support comes from the residents and citizens, while our focus and weapons are directed at the enemy. It will be decisive when we launch an attack,” Gordin declared.
The border skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified since the onset of Israel’s military operations in Gaza on October 7. Hezbollah has pledged to persist with its assaults on northern Israel until a ceasefire is established in Gaza.
The rising casualties and continuous bombardments have drawn widespread condemnation and calls for an immediate ceasefire from various international entities. Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly highlighted the dire conditions in Gaza, exacerbated by the relentless airstrikes and the blockade that limits access to essential supplies.
According to the Wafa news agency, two fatalities and multiple injuries occurred near the Al Amal Hotel in western Gaza City. Local sources informed the agency that the Israeli strike targeted civilians in the area. Additionally, one person was killed and several others were injured in a drone attack near Abu Hasira Street in the same part of the city.
The situation in Gaza and the broader Middle East remains volatile, with escalating violence and a growing humanitarian crisis. The international community continues to push for diplomatic solutions to halt the bloodshed and address the urgent needs of the affected populations.