"A Night of Terror: Airstrikes Claim Over 400 Lives in Gaza Amid Ramadan"

"In a devastating turn of events, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in over 400 fatalities, predominantly women and children, shattering the temporary calm that had settled over the region during Ramadan. Eyewitnesses share harrowing experiences as local hospitals struggle to handle the influx of casualties."

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, Deir Al-Balah - In the early hours of Tuesday, a routine night in Gaza transformed into chaos as Israeli airstrikes resumed, killing over 400 individuals, primarily women and children, as reported by local health officials. The devastating attacks shattered the months of tentative peace experienced since the ceasefire in January.

Families, previously enjoying pre-dawn meals during Ramadan, were abruptly awakened by the sounds of explosions. “Around 02:00 [midnight GMT], we were suddenly awakened by heavy shelling,” recounted Essam Abu Odeh, who, along with his family, sought refuge against the walls of their home. The bombing resumed swiftly, starting in Gaza City and sweeping towards the south, claiming lives and causing injuries to over 600 individuals.

The bombardment plunged hospitals into crisis mode, overwhelmed by a sudden influx of victims. Ahmad Mo'in al-Jumla, who was trapped for hours under the rubble of his apartment building, was extricated alive but sustained severe injuries. “From the night until morning, we couldn’t find him,” his sister lamented, as they navigated the horrors of the scene.

As the strikes continued, residents expressed their deep-seated fear and disbelief. “The war resumed abruptly, without warning,” said one local. Another resident remarked, “Fear has once again gripped the people, especially as we are in the month of Ramadan.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attributed the strikes to Hamas’ failure to release hostages and accept U.S. proposals, effectively dismantling the peace that had briefly settled in the region.

The shocking resurgence of aggression left many in Gaza desperate and traumatized. Umm Mohammed Abou Aisha lost her mother during the chaos, recalling her final moments as she entered the kitchen to prepare a meal. “There is no truce or ceasefire,” she emphasized, voicing the despair felt by countless families affected by the violence.

In the wake of the strikes, medical professionals warned of an overwhelming humanitarian crisis, citing severe shortages of medical supplies and staff. Dr. Mohammed Zaqout, Director General of Gaza Strip's hospitals, revealed that many patients suffered severe injuries and demanded urgent attention. He described the Israeli actions as a “massacre against sleeping civilians in the Gaza Strip,” while others echoed sentiments of exhaustion and desperation.

As families gathered to mourn their lost loved ones, the darkness of war cast a long shadow over Ramadan festivities, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict. Amidst the chaos, Essam Abu Odeh called for peace: “We do not want war to be resumed. We seek peace so that we can live and sleep without fear.”