On Thursday, Israeli forces killed at least 16 Palestinians in Gaza, with many more injured in the southern region, according to local health officials. Residents noted an increase in military attacks around Gaza City.
The Israeli military is planning to seize Gaza City, the largest urban area in the enclave, despite international pleas to halt the operation due to concerns over potential high casualties and the displacement of approximately one million Palestinians seeking refuge there.
In Gaza City, families are reportedly evacuating their homes, mostly moving towards the coast, as Israeli forces target the eastern suburbs of Shejaia, Zeitoun, and Sabra. The health ministry reported that Thursday’s fatalities brought the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire to 71 in the last 24 hours.
Stay informed with the latest updates. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Israeli officials consider Gaza City as the final stronghold of Hamas, which initiated the conflict with its deadly attack on Israel in October 2023. Since then, Israel’s offensive has significantly weakened the militant group.
The Israeli military announced it continues operations across Gaza, aiming at what it calls “terrorist organizations” and their infrastructure.
According to the military, three militants were killed in the last day, but details on how they were identified were not provided.
Dozens injured
In southern Gaza, many Palestinians were taken to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis with gunshot wounds. A doctor explained that the military fired on a crowd near an aid distribution site.
Mohammad Saqer, the head of nursing, told Reuters that most patients had upper body gunshot wounds, with many in a critical state.
The injured claimed they were shot while trying to collect food at a distribution site in Rafah.
The Israeli military has yet to comment on the incident.
The conflict ignited when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Most hostages have been released through diplomatic efforts, but 50 remain, with 20 reportedly alive.
Israel has not publicly responded to Hamas’ acceptance of a ceasefire proposal that would facilitate the return of some hostages.
Israel’s military campaign against Hamas has resulted in extensive damage in Gaza and displaced most of the two million residents.
Local health officials report over 62,000 Palestinians, mainly women and children, have been killed by the Israeli military, though the number of combatants killed remains unspecified.
Amid a worsening humanitarian crisis, the Gaza health ministry reported four additional deaths from malnutrition, including two children, bringing the total to 317 deaths, with 121 children, since the conflict began.
Israel challenges these fatality figures and recently requested a global hunger monitor to withdraw a report claiming famine in Gaza City and nearby areas.
