Gaza City, Palestine – Israeli airstrikes targeted densely populated areas in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians. The bombings were reportedly aimed at assassinating a senior Hamas commander. The strikes hit the al-Shati neighborhood, also known as Beach camp, and the al-Tuffah district, causing significant explosions and claiming the lives of 38 people, according to Ismail Al-Thawabta, the director of the Hamas-run government media office.
Emergency services rushed to the scene to assist casualties, with many being taken to Al-Ahli hospital. Social media footage depicted scenes of extensive destruction in al-Shati, with streets covered in dust and smoke. Israel claimed the attacks targeted Hamas military infrastructure, while Hamas accused Israel of attacking the civilian population and vowed retaliation against the occupation.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has left a devastating impact, with over 37,400 people killed and thousands more displaced. Israel’s military campaign in Gaza intensified following a Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and hostage situations.
Residents reported Israeli tanks advancing into western and northern Rafah areas, prompting many families to evacuate. The Israeli military stated that their operations in Rafah were intelligence-based and targeted at Palestinian gunmen and military infrastructure. However, the Gaza health ministry reported civilian casualties, including fatalities in humanitarian-designated zones.
The International Committee of the Red Cross condemned an attack on their Gaza office, which resulted in significant damage. The European Union’s foreign affairs chief called for an independent investigation into the shelling that damaged the ICRC office. The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides accusing each other of violations and atrocities.
As the violence persists and civilian casualties mount, calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian intervention grow louder. The international community faces mounting pressure to address the escalating crisis in Gaza and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.