Israel Conducts Strikes in Gaza, Resulting in 32 Fatalities

Israeli airstrikes have claimed the lives of at least 32 individuals across Gaza over the course of a single night, according to health officials. This escalation occurs amid increasing international calls for a ceasefire, yet Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu remains resolute in his commitment to the ongoing military campaign against Hamas.

The latest strikes occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, targeting residential areas in central and northern Gaza. Notably, nine members of the same family were killed in their home in the Nuseirat refugee camp, as confirmed by staff at the Al-Awda Hospital, where the deceased were taken. Just hours earlier, during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu asserted that Israel “must finish the job” against Hamas, a statement met with significant backlash as dozens of delegates walked out of the hall in protest.

International pressure on Israel to cease hostilities is mounting. Several countries are lobbying U.S. President Donald Trump to urge Israel to negotiate a ceasefire. On Friday, Trump indicated to reporters that he believes the U.S. is nearing an agreement that could lead to reduced fighting in Gaza and potentially secure the release of hostages. Trump is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu on Monday, expressing optimism about “very inspired and productive discussions” regarding the situation.

Despite this diplomatic activity, Israel is advancing a significant ground operation in Gaza City. The United Nations estimates that more than 300,000 people have fled the city, with around 700,000 remaining, many unable to afford relocation. On Saturday morning, airstrikes resulted in the destruction of a house in the Tufah area of Gaza City, leading to the deaths of at least 11 individuals, over half of whom were women and children, according to reports from the Al-Ahly Hospital. Additionally, four people were killed in a strike on the Shati refugee camp, as reported by Shifa Hospital.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening. Hospitals and clinics are on the verge of collapse, with two clinics destroyed and two hospitals closed due to damage. Medical supplies, food, and fuel are critically scarce, forcing many medical professionals to abandon their posts. Reports indicate that only a handful of doctors and nurses remain to care for the most vulnerable patients, including children in incubators.

On Friday, the aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières announced the suspension of its operations in Gaza City due to the escalating violence. The organization cited the proximity of Israeli tanks and the heightened risk to its staff as reasons for the suspension.

The situation regarding food security has deteriorated significantly in northern Gaza. Israel has halted all aid deliveries since September 12 and has increasingly rejected requests from the United Nations to transfer supplies from southern to northern Gaza.

According to the Gaza health ministry, Israel’s military campaign has resulted in over 65,000 fatalities and more than 167,000 injuries. These figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants but indicate that women and children constitute approximately half of the reported deaths. While the ministry operates under the Hamas-run government, many independent experts and UN agencies regard its casualty figures as the most credible during the ongoing conflict.

The current military operations were initiated following an attack by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people in Israel and the abduction of 251 hostages. As of now, approximately 48 captives remain in Gaza, with Israeli authorities believing that around 20 of them are still alive, following the release of many others during temporary ceasefires or negotiations.