Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza late Saturday left at least 22 Palestinians dead, including 11 women and two children, according to Palestinian medical officials. The strikes hit several homes and buildings in the town of Beit Lahiya, where another 15 people were wounded. Health officials fear the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Escalating Conflict and Displacement in Gaza
Israel, which has not commented on the latest strike, has been waging a three-week-long air and ground offensive in Gaza, targeting what it describes as Hamas strongholds. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 42,000 Palestinians killed since the conflict escalated in early October, with more than half believed to be women and children. The ongoing offensive has led to mass displacement, forcing tens of thousands to flee to Gaza City, where squalid conditions in tent camps have raised humanitarian concerns.
Meanwhile, Israel also faces tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon and recently launched airstrikes on Iranian targets in response to a ballistic missile attack. These developments have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran-backed forces across the Middle East.
The current crisis traces back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants breached Israel’s border, killing 1,200 people and abducting around 250 others. With hostilities persisting, the region remains on edge amid growing calls for a ceasefire to stem the escalating violence and humanitarian fallout.
(With inputs from AP)