At least 38 Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip within a 30-minute window overnight, according to Palestinian medical sources.
The strikes reportedly hit multiple locations, including a school and an abandoned fuel station housing displaced civilians.
The Hamas-run civil defence agency said rescue efforts were hampered by limited equipment and ongoing bombardment.
Ten people were killed at the Musa bin Nusayr School in eastern Gaza City, where hundreds had been sheltering.
In central Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp, 15 were killed when airstrikes targeted tents set up at an abandoned fuel station.
Thirteen others were reported dead following an air strike on the Abu Samra family’s home in Deir al-Balah. The three-story building was said to be housing multiple families at the time.
Separately, Israeli forces carried out 10 additional air strikes on Gaza City’s Shujaiya neighbourhood.
Local sources described the explosions as resembling the force of an earthquake. The strikes are believed to have targeted underground tunnels used by Hamas.
The wave of attacks followed Israel’s call for a widespread evacuation in anticipation of what it described as an “unprecedented”;; military assault.
Meanwhile, leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada released a joint statement warning of potential consequences if Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu proceeds with plans to “take control”;; of the entire Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu responded by saying the warning represented a “huge prize”;; for Hamas.
DAILY POST reports that Israel recently agreed to allow limited food aid into Gaza, partially lifting an 11-week blockade. However, UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said the delivery was insufficient, describing it as a “drop in the ocean”;; compared to the territory’s urgent needs.
The ongoing conflict began with Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken.
According to Israeli sources, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with up to 23 believed to be alive.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that at least 53,486 Palestinians have been killed since the start of Israel’s military campaign.
