As Israeli bombardment intensifies in southern Gaza, Gaza’s Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basal has issued an urgent appeal to international mediators. In a public statement shared via Telegram, Basal called for an immediate and comprehensive humanitarian truce across the Gaza Strip, warning that civilians continue to suffer the brunt of the war.
“Civilians are not a party to this war, and they must not pay the price for delayed political understandings,” Basal stated. He added that lives remain trapped under the rubble, the wounded lack access to medicine, and tens of thousands of displaced families have nowhere safe to shelter.
His plea comes at a time when negotiations for a ceasefire remain stalled, despite growing international pressure on both Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement. Basal emphasized the need for a humanitarian pause to allow rescue operations, medical assistance, and aid deliveries to reach those in desperate need.
Israeli Strikes Kill at Least 15 in Khan Younis
In one of the deadliest nights in recent weeks, at least 15 Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli attacks on Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza. According to local journalist Tareq Abu Azzoum, the attacks targeted makeshift tents in the al-Mawasi area, which had been previously designated a humanitarian safe zone.
Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli fighter jets and helicopters hovered at low altitudes, triggering sonic booms before launching a wave of missile strikes on densely populated areas. Homes and tents were destroyed as people scrambled for safety in the middle of the night.
“We woke up to the sound of explosions,” said one resident. “The buildings were shaking. Children were screaming. It was like an earthquake.”
This escalation follows what Israeli military officials described as a serious incident involving Palestinian armed factions ambushing an Israeli ground unit operating inside Khan Younis. In response, Israeli forces launched heavy retaliatory strikes to cover the evacuation of their personnel.
Crisis Deepens as Humanitarian Conditions Collapse
With temperatures rising and infrastructure nearly obliterated, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to spiral. Basic services such as clean water, food supplies, and electricity are unavailable in many parts of the strip. Relief workers say many wounded are dying not from their injuries but from the lack of medical treatment.
Basal’s call for a truce is one of many issued by local and international officials in recent days. Aid agencies are also warning that the situation is on the verge of complete collapse, with children and the elderly most at risk.
As Gaza mourns the dead in Khan Younis and other areas, families hold funeral prayers in hospital courtyards. With no end in sight to the bombardment, civilians are again paying the price for political deadlock.
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