At least 32 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, according to local health officials. The attacks have intensified tensions in the region, sparking international condemnation and calls for an immediate ceasefire.
Escalation of Violence
The Israeli military stated that the airstrikes targeted Hamas and Islamic Jihad positions in response to rocket fire from Gaza. However, Palestinian sources reported that residential areas were hit, leading to civilian casualties. Among the dead were multiple women and children, with dozens more injured, some critically.
Hospitals in Gaza are struggling to cope with the influx of wounded, with medical supplies running dangerously low due to the ongoing blockade. The Palestinian Health Ministry has appealed for urgent international aid to support overwhelmed healthcare facilities.
International Reactions
The United Nations and several humanitarian organizations have expressed deep concern over the rising death toll. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for “an immediate halt to hostilities to prevent further loss of innocent lives.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. and European Union urged restraint from both sides, though critics argue that global powers have not done enough to pressure Israel to stop the attacks. Protests have erupted in various cities worldwide, with demonstrators demanding an end to the violence and justice for Palestinian victims.
Cycle of Retaliation Continues
This latest escalation follows weeks of rising tensions, including clashes in Jerusalem and military operations in the occupied West Bank. Hamas has vowed retaliation, raising fears of further bloodshed.
As the death toll mounts, civilians on both sides bear the brunt of the conflict. With no immediate resolution in sight, the international community faces growing pressure to intervene before the situation spirals further out of control.