Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Gaza following warnings to Palestinians to evacuate in anticipation of an impending invasion, resulting in the tragic loss of many lives.
In Gaza, those injured in the aerial bombardments were swiftly transported to hospitals, particularly in the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis, as reported by local residents.
Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official and former health minister, provided a grim report of 27 casualties in Rafah and 30 in Khan Younis.
An Associated Press journalist at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis witnessed the arrival of approximately 50 bodies. Grieving family members came to claim their loved ones, whose remains were shrouded in white bedsheets, some stained with blood.
Tragedy struck in Deir al Balah when an airstrike demolished a house, resulting in the deaths of nine family members living there.
Additionally, three members of another family who had evacuated from Gaza City lost their lives in a neighboring residence. Shockingly, the casualties included one man and 11 women and children, and witnesses reported that there were no advance warnings before the strike.
The Israeli military stated that its targets included Hamas hideouts, infrastructure, and command centers.
When we identify a target, especially if it’s related to Hamas, we’re prepared to take action and handle the situation,” stated Richard Hecht, a spokesperson for the Israeli military.
Nevertheless, Iran’s foreign minister issued a warning that Israel’s advancement toward a ground offensive could lead to “pre-emptive action.”
Israel has enforced a blockade and conducted airstrikes in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, ever since a militant attack on southern Israel on October 7, claiming the lives of over 1,400 individuals, predominantly civilians, and leaving approximately 200 people held hostage in Gaza.
The Health Ministry reports that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the death of at least 2,778 people and the injury of 9,700 others in Gaza. Despite these attacks, Hamas militants have continued to launch rockets at Israel from Gaza.
Tragically, health authorities estimate that around 1,200 people across Gaza may be trapped under the debris caused by the conflict.
