Death Toll in Gaza Rises as Israeli Strikes Intensify
Cairo: Local health officials in Gaza report that Israeli airstrikes have claimed the lives of at least 40 Palestinians on Friday, primarily in Gaza City. Many residents are choosing to remain in their homes despite evacuation orders, as options for safe refuge are limited.
Israel has announced its goal to gain full control of Gaza City, which is currently sheltering around one million people, as part of its efforts to eliminate Hamas. The military has stepped up its attacks in the region.
Adel, a 60-year-old father of two living near the Beach refugee camp, shared his experience, saying, “The explosions never stopped since yesterday.” He noted that many families have evacuated, saying, “By these bombardments, they are telling people ‘You either leave or you die here.’”
Israeli Leadership Stands Firm Against Palestinian Statehood
The Israeli military reported that it has executed five waves of airstrikes in Gaza City this week, targeting over 500 locations, including sniper posts and weapons depots. The military stated it would continue to ramp up strikes based on precise intelligence, specifically aimed at disrupting Hamas’ operations.
Palestinian health officials have indicated that additional strikes have also occurred in the southern parts of Gaza, where many fleeing from Gaza City have sought safety.
Amjad Al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGOs Network, shared that an estimated 10% of Gaza City’s population has left since Israel revealed its plans a month ago.
Aid Efforts Continue Amid Growing Crisis
In response to the humanitarian situation, the Israeli army announced the expansion of a crossing point in the southern Gaza Strip, known as “Crossing 147,” to allow more aid trucks into the area. This will triple the current capacity to 150 trucks per day, with a focus on delivering food supplies.
International organizations and several foreign governments have expressed concern about the evacuation order for Gaza City, calling for a ceasefire and criticizing the conditions in the humanitarian zone.
Local health authorities claim that the ongoing military action has resulted in the deaths of over 64,000 individuals, mostly civilians, leading to a severe hunger crisis and a wider humanitarian disaster.
According to the territory’s health ministry, at least 411 people, including 142 children, have died due to malnutrition and starvation.
In another incident on Friday, Israeli police reported the arrest of a suspect from the West Bank who carried out a stabbing at a kibbutz near Jerusalem, resulting in two individuals being hospitalized.
