Israeli airstrikes have increased across the Gaza Strip since dawn today, killing at least 22 Palestinians – two children and one woman among them – due to attacks targeting residential homes and exacerbating an already grave humanitarian situation in this besieged enclave.
Details of the Attacks
According to medical sources, airstrikes began early this morning with one reported incident taking place in Al-Zarqa area of Al-Tuffah neighborhood northeast of Gaza City where one civilian was killed when an Israeli shell hit their house. Subsequent attacks targeted other residential buildings across Gaza, leading to additional casualties. Six civilians were killed and injured while waiting for aid north of Khan Yunis; these injuries resulted from Israeli gunfire fired while waiting. Early Saturday, another civilian was killed and three more injured when Israeli strikes targeted a group of people northwest of Gaza City. Additionally, one civilian was also killed during an airstrike targeting Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital courtyard near central Gaza City.
WAFA Agency in Water and wastewater facilities.
Humanitarian Impact
Israel’s bombardment has further taxed Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system. Hospitals and medical facilities are operating under critical conditions with shortages of supplies and staff affecting hospital operations; The International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed deep concern regarding civilian safety and access to care while OCHA reports that over 1.4 million individuals require humanitarian aid due to airstrikes destroying their homes.
International Reactions
The international community has voiced strong condemnation of the increase in violence in Gaza. The UN Security Council held an emergency session, with several member states demanding an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access for humanitarian workers and rescue operations in Gaza. Human rights organizations urged Israel to abide by international humanitarian law and take measures to safeguard civilian lives. Furthermore, European foreign ministers will meet later this week to discuss potential diplomatic responses.
Today, Israeli airstrikes continue across Gaza with reports of additional casualties and widespread destruction, prompting calls by the Gaza Health Ministry for international intervention to stop this violence and provide relief for affected populations. The situation remains fluid; updates will be given as more information becomes available.