In a tragic escalation of violence, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 60 individuals, including 22 children, according to local medical officials. The airstrikes occurred overnight between Tuesday and early Wednesday, intensifying the ongoing conflict in the region.
While Israel refrained from commenting directly on the airstrikes, officials stated that evacuation warnings were issued for the Jabaliya area late Tuesday night. This precaution was reportedly due to the presence of Hamas infrastructure, including rocket launchers.
Escalating tensions amid hostage negotiations
The airstrikes unfolded shortly after the release of an Israeli-American hostage, a development facilitated by negotiations between Hamas and the United States. This release was part of broader efforts aimed at reinstating a ceasefire, reopening crossings into the besieged territory, and resuming humanitarian aid deliveries.
“The IDF would continue operations in Gaza ‘with full force’ in the coming days,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed on Tuesday.
Netanyahu’s statements emphasized that Israel has no intention of ceasing its military campaign against Hamas, even if additional hostage releases occur. He indicated that the Israeli Defense Forces were poised to enter Gaza with considerable strength to achieve the complete destruction of Hamas.
The toll of conflict
The ongoing conflict, which ignited following a severe attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has claimed approximately 1,200 lives, the majority of whom were civilians. In this chaotic environment, Hamas has taken 251 individuals hostage, with current reports suggesting that 57 remain captive, of which 22 are believed to be alive.
In response to the assault, an Israeli offensive has led to the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, as reported by the Gaza health ministry—though these figures are disputed and do not differentiate between combatants and non-combatants. The Israeli military has also reported that 856 of its soldiers have lost their lives since the conflict reignited.