Israeli strikes in Gaza kill at least 42
At least 42 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City on Saturday, according to the Hamas-run government media office.
This latest escalation in the ongoing conflict saw significant casualties in two densely populated areas of the northern Palestinian enclave.
Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the government media office, reported that a strike on houses in Al-Shati, one of Gaza’s eight historic refugee camps, resulted in 24 deaths. An additional 18 Palestinians were killed in an attack on homes in the Al-Tuffah neighborhood.
The Israeli military issued a brief statement confirming the airstrikes, stating, “A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck two Hamas military infrastructure sites in the area of Gaza City.” Further details from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are expected to follow.
Hamas has not commented on the Israeli military’s claim but condemned the attacks, stating they targeted civilians and vowed retaliation.
“The occupation and its Nazi leaders will pay the price for their violations against our people,” Hamas declared.
Footage obtained by Reuters showed frantic scenes of Palestinians searching for survivors amid the rubble of destroyed houses in Al-Shati refugee camp. The images depicted extensive devastation, with homes reduced to wreckage and streets filled with debris and dust.
The recent Israeli ground and air campaign in Gaza was initiated after Hamas-led militants launched an incursion into southern Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages.
Since then, the conflict has devastated Gaza, with over 37,400 fatalities reported by Palestinian health authorities, including 101 in the past 24 hours. The relentless offensive has left nearly the entire population of Gaza homeless and destitute.
Currently, Israeli forces are focusing their efforts on the remaining strongholds in Gaza: Rafah on the southern edge and the area surrounding Deir al-Balah in the center.
Residents reported intensified tank incursions into western and northern Rafah areas, accompanied by air and ground bombings,
