Israeli Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Gaza, Including Children as Ceasefire Strains
The strikes targeted multiple locations including residential areas in the Al‑Nasr neighborhood west of Gaza city and infrastructure sites purportedly linked to militant groups. Eyewitnesses described widespread destruction with buildings reduced to rubble and families displaced in the aftermath. Medical teams reported that among the dead were seve
ral children and elderly civilians. Local hospitals already stretched thin by previous waves of violence are operating under critical conditions, lacking adequate supplies and staff to treat the rising number of patients. Humanitarian organizations have called for urgent aid corridors to allow access for emergency relief and medical evacuations. A spokesperson for the Palestinian Ministry of Health stated, "we are witnessing a severe humanitarian crisis. Hospitals are overwhelmed and the civilian population continues to bear the brunt of hostilities." The Israeli military justified the strikes as targeted operations against what it describes as militant infrastructure, citing security threats and rocket attacks emanating from Gaza. Israeli officials emphasized that every effort is made to minimize civilian casualties, though international observers have questioned the proportionality of the response. The recent escalation comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain the ceasefire brokered in October 2025. Analysts warn that continued military action could undermine fragile agreements and escalate tensions across the region, raising concerns among neighboring countries and international stakeholders. Global leaders have expressed deep concern over the civilian toll. The United Nations has called for restraint and immediate steps to protect non-combatants, urging both sides to adhere to international humanitarian law. Human rights organizations have condemned the targeting of residential areas, highlighting the vulnerability of children and other civilians in conflict zones. As the situation develops, monitoring groups anticipate further deterioration unless urgent measures are taken to de-escalate hostilities and secure humanitarian access. Analysts underscore that without political resolution, cycles of violence are likely to continue, placing civilians at extreme risk. Source: AP News
