At least 27 people have been killed in a wave of Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, according to local authorities. The civil defence agency, operated by Hamas, reports that children and women were among those killed. One of the attacks involved helicopter gunships hitting a tent sheltering displaced people in the southern city of Khan Younis.
Describing these strikes as the heaviest since the second phase of a ceasefire, which was brokered by President Trump in October, local Palestinians express their despair over the violence. The Israeli military confirmed that strikes were executed in response to what it claims was a violation of the ceasefire by Hamas on Friday.
Each side has accused the other of breaching the truce established last year. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they targeted specific areas in retaliation to activities they perceived as terrorist actions, striking sites associated with Hamas.
Hamas condemned the recent air strikes, labeling them as a continuation of Israel's violent campaign against Palestinians, and called on the U.S. for intervention. Eyewitness reports indicate that many struck locations included civilian residences and facilities, leading to casualties among non-combatants, including children.
The ongoing conflict escalated after a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and the taking of hostages, leading Israel to initiate a substantial military operation in Gaza. Current casualty figures indicate a severe toll on civilians, with estimates of over 71,660 Palestinians killed since the conflict began.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, hopes for peace remain elusive, with the international community closely monitoring the developments.
Describing these strikes as the heaviest since the second phase of a ceasefire, which was brokered by President Trump in October, local Palestinians express their despair over the violence. The Israeli military confirmed that strikes were executed in response to what it claims was a violation of the ceasefire by Hamas on Friday.
Each side has accused the other of breaching the truce established last year. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they targeted specific areas in retaliation to activities they perceived as terrorist actions, striking sites associated with Hamas.
Hamas condemned the recent air strikes, labeling them as a continuation of Israel's violent campaign against Palestinians, and called on the U.S. for intervention. Eyewitness reports indicate that many struck locations included civilian residences and facilities, leading to casualties among non-combatants, including children.
The ongoing conflict escalated after a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and the taking of hostages, leading Israel to initiate a substantial military operation in Gaza. Current casualty figures indicate a severe toll on civilians, with estimates of over 71,660 Palestinians killed since the conflict began.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, hopes for peace remain elusive, with the international community closely monitoring the developments.
