The overnight Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 60 Palestinians. Among the victims were civilians sheltering in a school in Gaza City, where 17 people were killed in a single strike. Another strike hit the Al-Amal Orphan Society, also housing displaced persons, claiming the lives of at least five individuals.
Israeli tanks, advancing in areas of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, conducted raids on several areas in the eastern and central regions of Khan Younis. These raids left at least 40 Palestinians dead and numerous injured, according to reports from the official Voice of Palestine radio and Hamas media.
The escalation of violence follows Iran’s launch of a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday, a retaliatory action for Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah allies in Lebanon. Israel has vowed a “painful response” against its enemy in light of these attacks.
The devastating war between Israel and Palestinian groups in Gaza, which has been ongoing for nearly a year, reached a new level of intensity with these recent events. The conflict, which began after Hamas launched the deadliest attack in Israel’s history on Oct. 7, has resulted in the deaths of over 41,600 people in Gaza, according to Gaza health authorities. The war has also displaced the majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million population.
The conflict has sparked international concern, with many calling for a ceasefire and an end to the violence. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with civilians bearing the brunt of the fighting.
