Gaza Strip – The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has tragically climbed, with at least 39 Palestinians reported killed in the 24-hour period ending Saturday, according to the Qatari news network Al Jazeera. Among the deceased were three children, highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on the civilian population.
Al Jazeera’s reporting indicates that Israeli forces have continued their intense military operations within the Palestinian enclave into Sunday. The network detailed specific incidents, including the bombing of a residential building in Khan Yunis, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals. Another strike in the outskirts of Khan Yunis reportedly killed one woman and left several others injured. These incidents underscore the relentless nature of the current military actions and their severe consequences for the residents of Gaza.
The renewed escalation of violence began on March 18th, when the Israeli military announced the resumption of fighting in the Gaza Strip.1 This followed a ceasefire that had been in place since January. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that this renewed offensive was initiated because the Palestinian faction Hamas allegedly refused to agree to proposals put forward by mediators, including U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff. The stated objective of the Israeli operation is the release of all hostages held by Hamas.2
In response, Hamas has placed the blame for the resumption of hostilities squarely on Israel and the United States, accusing them of obstructing efforts towards a lasting truce.
The continued casualties and intensified strikes are raising serious concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the prospects for de-escalation in the conflict. The international community is likely to face increasing pressure to intervene and find a way to halt the violence and address the urgent needs of the affected population.
