Gaza/Cairo: Israeli forces engaged Hamas-led fighters across multiple locations in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, resulting in at least 50 fatalities according to Palestinian health officials. The bombardments primarily targeted southern and central areas of Gaza.
Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist militant group, accused Israel of intensifying attacks to disrupt ceasefire efforts led by Arab mediators and the United States. Israel countered, stating its objective was to eliminate Hamas fighters.
In Rafah, a southern city under Israeli operations since May, an airstrike on a house claimed five Palestinian lives, as reported by Gaza health officials. Nearby in Khan Younis, an airstrike on a car resulted in the deaths of a man, his wife, and their two children, with at least 17 others wounded.
Later the same day, an Israeli airstrike near a tented area in Khan Younis housing displaced families led to the deaths of 16 people and numerous injuries at a UN-run school, according to health ministry reports.
The Israeli military described its operations as “intelligence-based,” targeting militants, tunnels, and Hamas military infrastructure. Approximately 40 targets were struck, including observation posts and buildings rigged with explosives.
Both Hamas and its ally, Islamic Jihad, claimed their fighters retaliated with anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs against Israeli forces. Islamic Jihad reported launching missiles towards Sderot in southern Israel, though there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.
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Israel’s response comes amid vows to dismantle Hamas following an attack last October that resulted in 1,200 deaths and the capture of 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. Palestinian health authorities reported over 38,713 fatalities in Gaza since the retaliation began, while Israel confirmed 326 soldiers killed.
Families gathered at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah to bid farewell to loved ones ahead of funerals, expressing anguish over the ongoing violence. Efforts mediated by Egypt and Qatar to broker a ceasefire and negotiate the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners appeared promising but stalled recently.
Negotiations halted following an Israeli strike targeting Hamas’ military leader Mohammed Deif in Khan Younis, resulting in significant casualties. Despite the setbacks, Hamas remains committed to ending the conflict through diplomatic channels, wary of Israeli conditions that could hinder displaced Palestinians’ return and control over the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller affirmed Israel’s commitment to ceasefire discussions, despite challenges in reaching a sustainable agreement.
