Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have intensified, killing at least 42 Palestinians, including medical personnel, as the humanitarian situation worsens. The attacks, which struck various parts of the Gaza Strip, have left thousands displaced and strained emergency response efforts.
Nuseirat Refugee Camp Devastated
Israeli strikes on Nuseirat, one of Gaza’s longstanding refugee camps, resulted in 24 fatalities on Friday. Additionally, an airstrike on a house in Beit Lahiya killed 10 Palestinians. Medics reported casualties across northern and southern Gaza, highlighting the widespread impact of the ongoing military campaign.
Targeting Medical Infrastructure
Ahmed al-Kahlout, head of the Intensive Care Unit at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, was killed in a drone strike. Kamal Adwan Hospital, along with two other northern medical facilities, is on the brink of collapse due to severe shortages of medical supplies, food, and fuel. Health officials report that many staff members have been detained or expelled by Israeli forces, further crippling healthcare services.
Ground Operations and Civilian Displacement
Israeli tanks entered northern and western Nuseirat on Thursday, briefly withdrawing from northern areas but maintaining a presence in the west. The Israeli military claims its operations in Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoon, and Jabalia aim to prevent Hamas from regrouping. However, residents accuse the army of depopulating these towns and the Jabalia refugee camp.
Displaced Palestinians returned on Friday to assess damage, encountering devastating scenes of destruction. Bodies of civilians, including women, were found on roads, covered in blankets as medics worked to transport them.
Food Crisis Claims Lives
A worsening food crisis led to tragedy at a bakery in Deir el-Balah, where a stampede claimed the lives of two girls, aged 13 and 17, and a 50-year-old woman. Crowds had gathered to secure bread amid dwindling food supplies. The victims were taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, where doctors confirmed their deaths from suffocation due to overcrowding.
Released Detainees Report Ill-Treatment
Israel released around 30 Palestinians detained during the Gaza offensive. Upon their arrival at a hospital in southern Gaza for medical checkups, several detainees reported ill-treatment and torture while in custody. Israel denies these allegations.
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Stalled Ceasefire Talks
Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have made little progress, with discussions currently on hold. Meanwhile, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on Wednesday, temporarily easing tensions on Israel’s northern front. However, the Gaza conflict remains intense, with no immediate resolution in sight.
Humanitarian Toll
Since the conflict began in October 2023, at least 44,363 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed, according to Palestinian health officials. Israel’s assault followed an October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel, which resulted in over 1,100 Israeli deaths and the capture of around 250 hostages.
The escalating violence has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with residents struggling to access basic necessities amid relentless military action.
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