Israeli Airstrikes Intensify in Gaza City, Resulting in Civilian Casualties

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City have intensified, resulting in at least 32 fatalities, including 12 children, according to medical staff at Shifa Hospital. The recent bombardments have targeted multiple high-rise buildings, which Israel claims were used by Hamas for surveillance purposes.

In the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, a strike killed 10 members of a single family, including a mother and her three children. Additionally, Mohammed Ramez Sultan, a player for the Al-Helal Sporting Club, was killed along with 14 family members.

The Israeli military has urged residents to evacuate Gaza City, designating it a "dangerous combat zone." Army spokesman Avichay Adraee stated that more than 250,000 people have left the area, though the United Nations estimates the number to be around 100,000.

The escalation follows a failed Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, which resulted in the deaths of five lower-level Hamas members and a Qatari guard. Hamas claims its leadership survived the attack.

Families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas have criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach, expressing concern that the offensive endangers their loved ones.

The conflict, which began in October 2023, has led to over 64,800 Palestinian deaths, with approximately half being women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Around 90% of Gaza's 2 million residents have been displaced.