Gaza Death Toll Soars Amidst Israeli Airstrikes
Rapidly expanding Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of over 700 people in the past day, according to health officials. The ongoing bombardment has led to the closure of numerous medical facilities due to bombing damage and a lack of power. The death toll from Israel’s airstrikes is unprecedented in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and raises concerns of even greater loss of life once Israeli ground forces launch their expected offensive.
Israel has reported launching over 400 airstrikes in the past day, targeting Hamas commanders, militants preparing to launch rockets into Israel, and command centers. Witnesses and health officials have reported that many of the strikes hit residential buildings, particularly in southern Gaza where civilians were advised to seek shelter. One overnight strike hit a four-story residential building in the city of Khan Younis, resulting in the deaths of at least 32 people.
Gaza’s Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, reported that the attacks have killed at least 704 people in the past day, including 305 children and 173 women. The total death toll in the war in Gaza now exceeds 5,700 Palestinians, including 2,300 minors, according to the ministry. Israel claims that more than 1,400 people have been killed in Israel, mostly civilians targeted during the initial Hamas attack.
The escalating violence has left Gaza’s healthcare facilities struggling to cope with the increasing casualties. Out of the 72 healthcare facilities in Gaza, 46 have stopped functioning, including 12 out of 35 hospitals, due to a lack of electricity, fuel, and damage from airstrikes. The World Health Organization has expressed concern over the dwindling capabilities to handle the escalating crisis. Israel has allowed a limited number of aid trucks to enter Gaza but has barred fuel deliveries.
In response to the airstrikes, Hamas militants continue to fire rockets at Israel, with over 7,000 rockets fired since the start of the war. In an effort to ensure the safety of civilians, Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari has advised Palestinians to head south.
The violence has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to visit Tel Aviv and express his support for Israel in the war against terrorism. Macron reassured Israel that it is not alone in this fight. Meanwhile, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees reported that six of its staff members have been killed in the bombings, bringing the death toll of its workers to 35 since the war started.
As the fighting rages on, two elderly Israeli women who were taken hostage by Hamas during the attack were released. One of the women, Yocheved Lifshitz, shared her harrowing experience of being beaten and kidnapped, but mentioned that conditions improved once they reached Gaza. It is unclear how many other hostages remain in captivity.
Amidst fears of escalation, the U.S. has advised Iranian-backed Hezbollah and other groups not to join the fight. There have been reports of increased rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. is actively engaged in conversations with Israeli officials to address the potential ramifications of escalated military action.
The situation remains volatile as both sides continue to exchange fire. International efforts to de-escalate the violence and find a peaceful resolution are ongoing.