Israeli airstrikes kill 15 in Gaza, mostly women and children

Recent escalation in the Gaza Strip has led to significant casualties following Israeli airstrikes that occurred overnight into Sunday. Local health officials reported that the strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people, predominantly women and children. This attack forms part of Israel's renewed military operations against Hamas, which began last month after a ceasefire ended. In these ongoing operations, Israel has aimed to pressure Hamas into accepting terms for a new truce and the release of hostages, while also enforcing a blockade that restricts food, fuel, and humanitarian aid imports to the region. In the latest incident, the strikes impacted a tent and a residential house located in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza. The casualty figures reported include five men, five women, and five children, as confirmed by Nasser Hospital, which received the deceased. The situation underscores the mounting human toll of the conflict, which has been ongoing for an extended period, now entering its most intense phase as multiple waves of strikes have led to widespread destruction and significant loss of life. Since the resumption of hostilities, Palestinian officials have reported an alarming death toll, estimating that more than 50,695 Palestinians have died since the beginning of Israel's offensive. However, specific figures on how many of these were civilians versus combatants have not been disclosed by Gaza's Health Ministry. Concurrently, Israel maintains that around 20,000 militants have been killed during their operations; though this number remains unverified due to the lack of detailed evidence. Amidst this violence, there are still 59 hostages believed to be held in Gaza, with 24 of them thought to be alive after previous negotiations led to the release of many hostages. This devastating conflict has escalated tensions in the region and draws international attention towards the ongoing humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. As the situation deteriorates, the local population continues to face dire consequences from blockades and military operations, emphasizing the urgent need for a renewed dialogue and resolution to the issues driving this prolonged conflict.