Palestinian authorities on Tuesday reported that Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip have killed at least 18 people, including several children.
The Civil Defense, operating under the Hamas-led government, stated that an airstrike in the Tufah neighbourhood of Gaza City late Monday killed a mother and her three children, with three others reported missing. Another airstrike in downtown Gaza City claimed the lives of a child, three women, and a man, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. In southern Gaza, a strike early Tuesday on a home resulted in the deaths of a man, his three young children, and a woman, as confirmed by Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
Palestinian health officials have not clarified whether the victims were civilians or fighters. Israel maintains that it targets militants and accuses Hamas of endangering civilians by operating within residential areas. However, Israeli military strikes, often affecting women and children, are rarely addressed individually by the military.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began. The war erupted on October 7 when Hamas-led militants launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in around 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the abduction of approximately 250 people.
US and Israeli leaders discuss defence and humanitarian aid
In other developments, Gen CQ Brown, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with Israeli defence leaders on Monday to discuss regional security and the ongoing conflict. The discussions emphasised the need for de-escalation and increased humanitarian support in Gaza.
Israeli airstrikes in the West Bank
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Palestinian officials reported that an Israeli airstrike killed five Palestinians in Tulkarem’s Nur Shams refugee camp. The military described the strike as targeting a militant “operations room,” though the identities of those killed were not immediately disclosed. The West Bank has seen rising violence, with approximately 640 Palestinians killed since the conflict with Hamas began.
UNRWA struggles amid intensifying conflict
The ongoing Israeli evacuation orders have forced hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to relocate within an increasingly confined Gaza Strip. Sam Rose, senior deputy field director for UNRWA, highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions, noting that polio has reemerged in Gaza due to inadequate healthcare. A UN campaign to vaccinate children is set to begin, but the success of this effort depends on the cooperation of all parties involved.
The latest Israeli evacuation order has also led to the closure of the UN operations centre in Deir al-Balah, further complicating relief efforts. Rose warned that the UN’s ability to operate in Gaza is becoming increasingly difficult, with food shortages affecting an estimated one million Palestinians.
Continued talks despite ongoing violence
In Washington, the White House confirmed that ongoing cease-fire talks in Cairo were not derailed by recent fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Negotiators are still working on resolving key differences, including Israel’s demand for a military presence in strategic areas of Gaza. The talks are expected to continue over the next few days.
(With AP inputs)