Recent Israeli airstrikes and gunfire have tragically killed at least 38 people across Gaza, according to health officials. This grim toll comes as global pressure for a ceasefire intensifies, yet Israel’s leadership remains steadfast in its resolve to continue military actions.
During the early hours of Saturday, devastating strikes targeted central and northern Gaza, claiming lives within residential areas. Among the victims, an entire family of nine was killed in their home in the Nuseirat refugee camp, their bodies later transported to Al-Awda hospital by medical personnel.
These lethal attacks closely followed a resolute address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the U.N. General Assembly on Friday. He emphatically stated that his nation is committed to “finish the job” concerning Hamas in Gaza, a declaration that stood in stark defiance of international sentiment.
The international community’s insistence on ending the conflict is intensifying, leading to Israel’s growing isolation on the global stage. Several nations have recently moved to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, a diplomatic step strongly opposed by Israel.
Global efforts have seen various countries urging U.S. President Donald Trump to advocate for a ceasefire. On Friday, President Trump informed reporters at the White House that he believes a deal to de-escalate hostilities in Gaza, secure the release of hostages, and ultimately end the war is imminent. He also announced an upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Monday, and alluded to “very inspired and productive discussions” and “intense negotiations” regarding Gaza with regional nations, which he shared on social media.
Despite these diplomatic maneuvers, Israel continues its significant ground offensive in Gaza City, a region that experts warn is now grappling with famine. While over 300,000 residents have managed to flee, an estimated 700,000 remain, often due to insurmountable financial barriers preventing their relocation.
On Saturday morning, a devastating strike leveled a home in Gaza City’s Tufah neighborhood, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, predominantly women and children, as reported by Al-Ahly Hospital. Separately, four more lives were lost in the Shati refugee camp when an airstrike directly hit their residences, according to Shifa Hospital.
Further tragedy struck as six Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire while attempting to access aid in southern and central Gaza. Their bodies were subsequently taken to Nasser and Al Awda hospitals.
The Israeli Army has not yet issued a statement regarding these recent airstrikes or the reported gunfire incidents.
Medical facilities in Gaza City are teetering on the brink of collapse. With the offensive nearly two weeks underway, two clinics have been obliterated by airstrikes, and two hospitals have ceased operations due to damage. Remaining facilities are struggling to function amidst severe shortages of medicine, equipment, food, and fuel.
A significant number of patients and healthcare workers have been compelled to abandon hospitals, leaving only a skeletal staff of doctors and nurses to care for critically ill patients, including infants in incubators, who are unable to be moved.
On Friday, the humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders announced the suspension of its operations in Gaza City, citing an intensified Israeli offensive. The group reported that Israeli tanks were approaching their healthcare facilities, less than half a mile away, rendering the situation an “unacceptable level of risk” for their personnel.
Compounding the crisis, the food supply in northern Gaza has deteriorated significantly. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated that Israel has ceased aid deliveries through its northern Gaza crossing since September 12, and has consistently denied UN requests to transport vital supplies from southern to northern Gaza.
The ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza has reportedly resulted in over 65,000 fatalities and more than 167,000 injuries, as per the Gaza Health Ministry. While the ministry’s figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants, they indicate that approximately half of those killed are women and children. Despite being under the Hamas-run government, the Health Ministry’s casualty estimates are widely considered by UN agencies and numerous independent experts to be the most dependable assessment of wartime losses.
This campaign was initiated in response to the October 7, 2023, assault by Hamas-led militants, who breached Israeli territory, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting 251 individuals. Currently, 48 captives are still held in Gaza, with Israel believing about 20 of them to be alive. The majority of the other hostages were released during previous ceasefires or through various agreements.