Overnight Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza have reportedly claimed the lives of dozens, with Hamas-affiliated sources and paramedics estimating at least 66 casualties. Among the victims, women and children were identified, as strikes targeted houses near Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahia, according to local reports. Unverified footage circulating online depicted over 20 bodies aligned on a street, underscoring the severity of the tragedy.
Another strike on a residential building in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City reportedly left 22 people dead, further amplifying the toll of civilian casualties. The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency confirmed these figures, although the Israeli military has not issued any statements regarding the attacks.
Escalating Offensive in Northern Gaza
Israel has intensified its military operations in northern Gaza, citing the objective of preventing Hamas from regrouping. These strikes come amidst an ongoing ground offensive that has displaced an estimated 130,000 people over the past five weeks. According to the UN, approximately 75,000 people in the besieged towns of Beit Lahia, Jabalia, and Beit Hanoun are enduring severe shortages of water and food as aid deliveries remain nearly nonexistent.
Elsewhere in Gaza, reports of Israeli strikes continued. In Khan Younis, a southern city, a local hospital reported receiving the bodies of 24 individuals killed in nearby attacks, including in Rafah. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned of the dire humanitarian situation, with medical facilities struggling to treat the injured and essential supplies dwindling.
Civilian Impact and Allegations of War Crimes
The ongoing military campaign has had a devastating effect on Gaza’s civilian population. On Tuesday, the UN raised alarms about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in northern Gaza, which has been under siege for 40 days. Human Rights Watch released a report last week accusing Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity through the deliberate mass displacement of Palestinians.
According to the UN, nearly 1.9 million Gazans 90% of the population have been forced to flee their homes over the past year, with 79% of the territory now under evacuation orders issued by Israel.
Since the escalation of hostilities following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry has reported nearly 44,000 deaths and over 104,000 injuries.
International Reactions
Diplomatic efforts to halt the violence have faced significant challenges. On Wednesday, the United States vetoed a draft resolution at the UN Security Council calling for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. Fourteen of the 15 council members supported the resolution, which also demanded the unconditional release of all hostages.
Robert Wood, the U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the UN, defended the veto, arguing that the resolution failed to establish a crucial link between a ceasefire and the release of hostages. He warned that its passage might embolden Hamas by signaling a lack of pressure to negotiate.
Broader Regional Implications
In a related development, U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein has arrived in Israel from Lebanon. His efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region have reportedly borne fruit, as Lebanon’s government and Hezbollah have largely agreed to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire. Hochstein expressed optimism about resolving the Lebanon conflict, highlighting the potential for broader regional stability amid the ongoing Gaza crisis.
Conclusion
The intensifying conflict in Gaza continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians, with reports of mounting casualties and deteriorating humanitarian conditions. Amidst international calls for a ceasefire, diplomatic efforts remain fraught, with no immediate resolution in sight. As the crisis deepens, the urgency for a comprehensive and peaceful solution grows ever more critical.
