Israeli strikes in Gaza claim over 60 Palestinian lives, even in ‘safe zones.’
Israeli airstrikes in southern and central Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 60 Palestinians, including in areas designated as “safe zones” for displaced individuals. This surge in airstrikes has continued despite Israel scaling back its major ground operations, leading to a persistent pattern of fatalities among Palestinians.
The latest strikes targeted a busy market area in Khan Younis, killing at least 17 people. This strike occurred in a region where many had sought refuge from previous assaults, about a kilometer away from a previous strike that aimed at Hamas’ military leader, Mohammed Deif, which resulted in over 90 deaths. The situation remains unclear regarding Deif’s status following the strike.
As airstrikes continue, discussions for a potential cease-fire between Israel and Hamas are ongoing. Hamas has expressed willingness to engage in talks despite the recent escalations. International mediators are seeking to broker a deal that would end hostilities and facilitate the release of around 120 hostages held by Hamas. Israeli forces have stated they are targeting Hamas militants, claiming significant damage to the group’s leadership and infrastructure over the course of the conflict.
Israeli military reports indicate they have killed or detained approximately 14,000 militants, asserting they have eliminated half of Hamas’ military leadership. The air force claims to have targeted over 37,000 sites in Gaza, focusing on what they label as terrorist infrastructure. However, these numbers have not been independently verified.
Recent airstrikes have also affected areas previously untouched by ground offensives, including central Gaza and coastal regions. In the Nuseirat and Zawaida refugee camps, strikes resulted in at least 24 deaths, including women and children. Additionally, a strike on a U.N. school sheltering displaced families killed at least nine, with reports of chaos and destruction evident in the aftermath.
The Israeli military contends that Hamas operatives were utilizing the school for planning attacks, although this claim has not been independently confirmed. Other strikes in Khan Younis and Rafah have also resulted in additional casualties. The Israeli military maintains that Hamas is responsible for civilian deaths due to their operations in densely populated areas.
Amid these developments, the Israeli government is set to begin sending draft notices to ultra-Orthodox men, a move that could provoke political instability and protests. Traditionally exempt from military service, this group faces increased scrutiny and resentment from the broader public. The ongoing conflict, which reignited after Hamas’ attack on October 7, has reportedly claimed more than 38,600 lives in Gaza, with the humanitarian situation deteriorating rapidly.
The violence has not been confined to Gaza; the West Bank has also seen increased tension, highlighted by an incident where a Palestinian attacked an Israeli policeman, resulting in the assailant’s death. The escalating conflict has resulted in widespread displacement and suffering for the population of Gaza, where hunger and humanitarian crises are intensifying As both sides assess their strategies, the situation remains fluid, with heavy casualties and ongoing military actions continuing to shape the landscape of this protracted conflict.