60 people were killed in Gaza as Israeli airstrikes continued overnight and into Tuesday, news agency AP reported citing Palestinian health officials. The strikes were part of Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas, which continues despite increasing international condemnation.
Meanwhile, strikes continued across Gaza, with evacuation orders issued for the city of Khan Younis, already heavily damaged in previous fighting. The Gaza health ministry reported that strikes in the north killed 22 people while attacks in Deir al-Balah and the Nuseirat refugee camp killed 13 and 15 people, respectively. Ten more were killed in Khan Younis.
The Israeli military has not commented on the latest strikes but insists its targets are Hamas fighters, blaming the group for operating in densely populated areas.
Following a 2.5 month blockade that prevented the entry of food, fuel, and medicine, Israel has now agreed to allow limited aid into Gaza. However, UN agencies say the small number of trucks allowed through so far is far from enough. During a previous ceasefire, around 600 trucks a day were able to enter. Experts have warned of a looming famine if the blockade continues.
On Monday, criticism intensified as Canada, France and the United Kingdom threatened “concrete actions” against Israel, including possible sanctions. The three countries called on Israel to stop what they described as “egregious” military operations in Gaza. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that they are rewarding Hamas for its October 7, 2023.
This latest round of attacks brings the total number of Palestinians killed in recent days to over 300. Israel has reaffirmed its stance to take control of Gaza, displace large numbers of people and overseeing aid distribution.
The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Of those, 58 remain in captivity, with roughly a third believed to still be alive.
In response, Israel launched a large-scale offensive that has left much of Gaza in ruins. The Gaza health ministry says more than 53,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, most of them women and children. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its reports.
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