Surge in Israeli Air Strikes Claims Over 100 Lives in Gaza

A series of recent air strikes by Israel has left 103 Palestinians dead as hospitals in Gaza struggle to cope with casualties. Key locations such as Khan Younis and Jabalia have witnessed devastating attacks, intensifying fears of a humanitarian disaster amid ongoing military operations.

Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least 103 Palestinians since dawn, according to the latest reports from the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency. The assaults, which have predominantly targeted homes and makeshift shelters for displaced families, saw 56 casualties in the southern city of Khan Younis, with local hospitals overwhelmed by the surge in wounded.

Witness accounts describe Khan Younis as the site of the deadliest air strikes since Israel ramped up its military campaign nearly two months ago. Videos shared by local activists depict crowds of mourners during funeral processions, alongside shocking imagery of first responders recovering bodies from the debris-laden streets. Among the dead were Medics from Nasser hospital confirming that families were buried beneath the rubble after attacks on their residences.

In the northern town of Jabalia, more deadly strikes included hits on a health clinic and prayer hall, as reported by local correspondents. Strikes in the area resulted in at least 13 fatalities, with the Civil Defence agency also reporting more deaths across Beit Lahia and Deir al-Balah. Notably, a highly publicized strike claimed the lives of five members of the Shihab family.

Eyewitness testimony from Reem al-Zanaty, a 13-year-old survivor, illustrated the harrowing reality on the ground. "We didn't feel or hear anything until we woke up with rubble on us," she recounted, highlighting the chaos in the aftermath of strikes. The ongoing violence coincides with US President Donald Trump's visit to the region and is intertwined with current negotiations over a ceasefire and hostage release.

The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate in Gaza, with aid agencies warning of impending starvation among the 2.1 million residents. Amidst a blockade that has lasted over ten weeks, a US-backed organization announced plans to assist in relief efforts, even as Israel has reportedly labeled various civilian locations as potential military targets.

Since Israel renewed its offensive in response to a Hamas-led attack on October 7, resulting in around 1,200 deaths at the time, there have been significant casualties including over 53,000 reported in Gaza to date. The confrontation raises pressing questions about the fate of civilians caught in the crossfire and the potential for an escalation in hostilities.