Intensified Israeli Airstrikes Claim at Least 48 Lives in Gaza, Say Hospitals
According to local hospitals, at least 48 people, including 22 children, lost their lives in a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting northern Gaza on Tuesday night. The Indonesian Hospital in Jabaliya reported that the strikes, which focused on residential areas, resulted in significant casualties.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that Israel would not cease its ongoing military operations against Hamas. The escalation followed Hamas’ release of an Israeli-American hostage in a deal mediated by the United States, coinciding with former President Donald Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia.
Late Tuesday, the Iranian-backed militant group Islamic Jihad, which is aligned with Hamas, launched rockets from Gaza towards Israel. In response, Israeli forces carried out retaliatory airstrikes shortly after issuing evacuation orders for residents in the Jabaliya and Beit Lahiya areas.
The conflict in Gaza, which erupted after Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people during a 2023 attack in southern Israel, has resulted in a devastating toll on the region. Israeli counteroffensives have led to the deaths of over 52,800 Palestinians, including a significant number of women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry. However, the figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians.
Israel’s military actions have left large sections of Gaza in ruins, forcing 90% of the population to flee their homes, many repeatedly.