Over 60 People Killed, Nearly 300 Injured In 24 Hours As Israel Bombards Gaza

Over 60 People Killed, Nearly 300 Injured In 24 Hours As Israel Bombards Gaza, Says Health Ministry

 

At least 64 people have reportedly been killed and nearly 300 others injured as Israel launched heavy bombardment on Gaza City in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.

 

Planes and tanks pounded parts of Gaza City as Israel steps up its plans to seize the territory’s largest urban area, increasing pressure on nearly a million Palestinians still living there.

 

“Sixty-four people were killed and nearly 300 injured in Israeli attacks in the past 24 hours,” the ministry said on Sunday, according to BBC.

 

The ministry said that the overall death toll since Israel launched its campaign had risen to 62,686, with another 157,951 injured.

 

Residents reported uninterrupted explosions in northern and eastern parts of the city overnight Saturday, while Israeli tanks targeted the Sabra neighbourhood and airstrikes hit the Zeitoun and Shejayia districts.

 

It was also reported that Israeli troops have returned to blow up buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp, further north.

 

Israel launched the offensive in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others taken hostage.

 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to defeat Hamas, defying international criticism over his plan to expand the war.

 

Some 60,000 reservists are being called up to take part in the operation.

 

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed its renewed presence in Jabalia, saying, “The troops’ activity enables the expansion of the fighting to additional areas and prevents Hamas terrorists from returning and operating in these areas.”

 

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Sunday that one of its staff members, held in Gaza since 21 July, had been released by the IDF.

 

No further details were provided on the identity of the worker or the reasons for the detention.

 

Netanyahu continues to face mounting pressure at home, particularly from families of hostages demanding that he negotiate an end to the war to secure their relatives’ release.

 

Only 20 of the 50 hostages still believed to be in Gaza are thought to be alive.

 

The Israeli prime minister recently declared his intention to conquer the entire Gaza Strip after indirect ceasefire talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt collapsed.

 

Mediators have since presented a new proposal for a 60-day truce and the release of around half of the hostages, which Hamas said it accepted.

 

But Israeli officials insist they will no longer accept a partial deal and demand the release of all captives.

 

Israel’s defence minister has warned that Gaza City will be “razed” unless Hamas disarms and frees all hostages.

 

The military has also said it intends to evacuate the city’s entire population to shelters in the south before launching a full-scale ground assault.

 

Humanitarian organisations warn that such an offensive would have catastrophic consequences.

 

The UN said more than 90% of Gaza’s homes are damaged or destroyed, with water, sanitation and healthcare systems collapsing.

 

Only 18 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are partially functional, most of them in Gaza City and the north.

On Friday, the UN confirmed conditions of famine in Gaza City and surrounding areas for the first time since the war began.

 

SaharaReporters

 

The ministry said that the overall death toll since Israel launched its campaign had risen to 62,686, with another 157,951 injured.