Israel’s Airstrikes Result in Dozens of Fatalities in Gaza Within 48 Hours, According to Palestinian Medics
Israeli military strikes across Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 120 Palestinians over the past 48 hours, including an attack on a hospital at the northern edge of the enclave that injured medical personnel and damaged equipment, according to Palestinian medics.
Among those killed were seven members of a family whose home was struck overnight in the Zeitoun suburb of Gaza City, as reported by health officials.
The remaining fatalities occurred in various Israeli strikes throughout central and southern Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces intensified their incursion and bombardment of the northern edge of the enclave, marking their primary offensive since early last month.
At Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of three barely operational medical facilities in northern Gaza, director Hussam Abu Safiya stated that the ongoing Israeli bombardments seemed intended to compel hospital staff to evacuate—something they have consistently refused to do since the incursion began.
“Yesterday, from the afternoon until midnight, the bombardment directly targeted the entrance to the emergency and reception area several times,” he said in a statement, noting that 12 staff members, including doctors and nurses, were injured.
Palestinians search for belongings in front of a severely damaged building following Israeli attacks in the Zeitun neighborhood.
The strike also caused extensive damage, disrupting the electrical generator, oxygen supply network, and water supply.
In response to Abu Safiya’s remarks, the Israeli military stated that after an initial review, it was “not aware of a strike in the area of the Kamal Adwan Hospital,” asserting that it takes every possible measure to avoid civilian casualties.
Israel contends that Hamas uses hospitals and civilians as human shields, supporting this claim with public videos and photos.
Hamas denies these allegations, asserting that it does not exploit the civilian population or facilities for military purposes.
Read more about the conflict in the Middle East
Israeli hostage dies in Gaza
According to Gaza officials, Israel’s 13-month campaign in Gaza has claimed over 44,000 lives and displaced nearly the entire population of the enclave at least once.
The conflict was initiated in response to an attack by Hamas-led fighters who killed 1,200 individuals and captured over 250 hostages in Israel on October 7, 2023, as stated by Israel.
A spokesperson for the armed wing of Hamas, Abu Ubaida, later announced that a female Israeli hostage in the group’s custody had been killed in northern Gaza amidst ongoing Israeli attacks.
“The life of another female prisoner who was previously with her is in imminent danger,” he added, holding the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for undermining efforts to conclude the war.
A group representing the families of the hostages did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Attempts to negotiate a ceasefire over the past few months have made little progress, and negotiations are currently on hold, with mediator Qatar suspending its efforts until both sides are ready to make concessions.
Hamas seeks a resolution that concludes the conflict and leads to the release of both Israeli and foreign hostages held captive in Gaza, as well as Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, whereas Netanyahu has asserted that the war can only conclude once Hamas has been eradicated.
