At least 60 Palestinians were killed overnight and into Tuesday as Israel ramped up its military operations across the Gaza Strip, according to reports from local Palestinian health authorities. This latest wave of airstrikes marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with the Israeli government declaring its continued objective: to dismantle Hamas and recover hostages still held within the territory.
Surge in Attacks Amid Humanitarian Crisis
The renewed offensive follows a series of devastating air raids across multiple locations in Gaza, including northern, central, and southern areas. Despite mounting international pressure for a humanitarian ceasefire and aid access, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate.
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Northern Gaza:
Two airstrikes targeted a residential home and a school converted into a shelter. The attacks resulted in 22 deaths, with more than half of the victims being women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. -
Central Gaza – Deir al-Balah and Nuseirat Camp:
An airstrike in the central city of Deir al-Balah killed 13 individuals. A separate strike in the densely populated Nuseirat refugee camp claimed 15 more lives, as reported by Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. -
Southern Gaza – Khan Younis:
In the southern city of Khan Younis, two separate strikes led to 10 fatalities, according to sources at Nasser Hospital.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not issued an immediate statement regarding these specific attacks but maintain that their strikes are directed at militant targets. The IDF holds Hamas responsible for civilian casualties, citing the group’s operations within heavily populated civilian areas.
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis and Limited Aid Access
Aid Trucks Allowed Entry After Long Blockade
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently permitted a small number of humanitarian aid trucks to enter Gaza, marking the first such allowance in over two and a half months. The move comes amid escalating international concern over famine-like conditions in the besieged territory of approximately 2 million people.
However, U.N. agencies have raised alarms that the handful of aid trucks now allowed in are insufficient to address the urgent needs of the population. During a previous ceasefire earlier this year, approximately 600 aid trucks per day had been entering Gaza—a figure now drastically reduced, worsening the humanitarian catastrophe.
Aid Insufficiency: Key U.N. Concerns
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Food shortages affecting nearly all households
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Lack of medical supplies and functioning hospitals
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Shelter scarcity, with schools and other public buildings converted into makeshift refugee centers
Background: The War’s Origins and Toll
The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The attackers also abducted 251 individuals, igniting one of the deadliest escalations in the region's history.
As of now, 58 hostages remain in captivity, with roughly a third believed to be alive. The majority were freed during earlier ceasefire arrangements or prisoner exchange deals.
Human Cost of the War
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has led to massive destruction throughout Gaza. According to Gaza's Health Ministry:
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Over 53,000 Palestinians have been killed
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The majority of the dead are women and children
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Civilian and combatant deaths are not differentiated in official tallies
Displacement Crisis
The conflict has forced nearly 90% of Gaza’s population to flee their homes—many of them multiple times. This level of displacement has created an overwhelming strain on remaining infrastructure and limited international aid efforts.
A Conflict with Mounting Consequences
The renewed Israeli strikes and the intensifying humanitarian crisis in Gaza continue to draw international scrutiny. While the stated goal of rescuing hostages and dismantling Hamas remains a priority for Israel, the rising civilian death toll, widespread destruction, and inadequate humanitarian relief highlight the urgent need for a sustainable and peaceful resolution.
As global diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction, the people of Gaza remain trapped in a devastating cycle of violence, displacement, and deprivation.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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