Gaza City, Gaza Strip — Intense Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 81 Palestinians and left over 400 others injured in just 24 hours, according to the health ministry operated by Hamas. Among the casualties was a devastating strike near a stadium in Gaza City where numerous displaced families were living in makeshift tents. Witnesses have described scenes of chaos and despair as they searched for bodies among the rubble.
Al-Shifa hospital staff reported that among those killed were children who were seeking refuge in the area. Eyewitness accounts highlighted the harrowing aftermath of the blast, with one local recalling the shock of hearing “a huge explosion” as nearby tents became engulfed in sand. The Israeli military has stated it was unaware of any civilian casualties, claiming the targeted location was connected to a “suspicious individual.”
Compounding the ongoing violence, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that a ceasefire could be reached soon, as Qatari mediators sought to apply pressure against Israel to negotiate a resolution. Tensions have been high since a two-month ceasefire collapsed in March when new strikes were launched against Gaza.
International mediators have reportedly intensified efforts to establish a new deal that would not only uplift the humanitarian crisis but also aim to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel. However, negotiations remain at a standstill as violence continues unabated.
Protests erupted in Tel Aviv as citizens rallied for the release of Israeli hostages, calling for an end to the conflict. Organizers emphasized the urgency of a resolution, urging that it is time to bring all affected individuals home.
Further attacks continued on Saturday, with reports indicating additional casualties from an airstrike in the Tuffah neighborhood, resulting in the deaths of at least eight people, including a number of children. Surviving family members expressed disbelief that they were being targeted, stating, “We are civilians. What harm have we done?”
The Hamas-run health ministry reported that emergency responders have faced significant challenges in accessing victims trapped beneath debris due to ongoing aerial assaults and the consequent chaos in affected areas. The Israeli Defense Forces defended its operations, asserting that precautions were taken to minimize civilian harm, but maintained they struck an individual posing a threat to their troops.
In the latest developments, the IDF announced it had eliminated a key figure in Hamas’s military arm, Hakham Muhammad Issa al-Issa, stating that he played a crucial role in orchestrating previous attacks. This air campaign follows a disastrous attack on October 7 that left around 1,200 people dead and over 250 held hostage, marking an escalation in violence that has already claimed over 56,000 lives in Gaza.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution but fearful of the escalating humanitarian crisis.