Israeli military airstrikes have killed at least 15 Palestinians in Gaza, as the conflict continues with intensive bombardments across the enclave. Medics reported the deaths, which include civilians in central Gaza and southern areas.
In Nuseirat, a central Gaza camp, an Israeli airstrike targeted a house, killing six people. Another attack in Gaza City claimed three more lives, while two children were killed in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, when a missile struck a tent encampment. Additionally, four people died in an airstrike near Rafah, close to Gaza’s border with Egypt.
On the northern edge of Gaza, residents reported that Israeli forces demolished multiple houses in the areas of Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun. These regions have seen increased Israeli military operations since October. Palestinians accuse Israel of using airstrikes and forced evacuations to create a buffer zone, an allegation the Israeli army denies. The Israeli military claims its operations have killed hundreds of Hamas militants in the region, as it continues efforts to prevent the group from regrouping almost 14 months after the war began.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is working on a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal, though National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that a resolution has not yet been reached. Sullivan emphasized that the U.S. is engaging with key regional players to bring about the deal, but more consultations are needed.
The conflict has also seen tragic reports from Israeli prisons. Two Palestinian detainees from Gaza, Mohammad Idris and Muath Rayyan, have died in custody, bringing the total number of Palestinian detainees killed since the war’s onset to 47. While Israel’s prison service has stated that these cases are not under its jurisdiction, prisoner advocacy groups have condemned the deaths, alleging mistreatment.
The ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza has caused extensive loss of life, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 44,300 deaths. The war was triggered by a deadly Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in over 250 hostages being taken.
On the humanitarian front, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has suspended aid deliveries through the Kerem Shalom crossing due to security risks. Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, stated that attempts to deliver food aid were thwarted by armed gangs. He called on Israel to ensure the safe flow of humanitarian aid and protect workers. The Israeli military has been accused of targeting aid routes, further complicating relief efforts.
Israel’s siege of Gaza, combined with the ongoing conflict, has caused severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and other essential aid for Gaza’s civilian population.
