According to Gaza’s civil defense agency, a recent Israeli airstrike on the Khan Younis refugee camp resulted in the tragic loss of at least 11 lives, including three infants under the age of one. Civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal remarked, “We mourn the loss of these innocent lives,” following the bombardment of the Al-Bayram family home around 3 a.m. local time.
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Identities of eight of the deceased have been confirmed, all belonging to the same extended family. Among them were children aged one year and a month-old baby. When contacted for comment, the Israeli military did not immediately respond.
On the same day, the civil defense agency reported that Israeli strikes had claimed an additional 42 lives across the war-torn region, now under a comprehensive Israeli blockade since March 2. As Israel halted aid deliveries, it argued that Hamas had diverted humanitarian supplies and stated that the blockade was necessary to pressure the militants into releasing hostages.
Humanitarian organizations, including various UN agencies, have expressed urgency for Israel to lift these restrictions. They have warned of a dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, calling for immediate action as families face starvation. As one UN representative noted, “The people of Gaza are in desperate need of assistance.”
Meanwhile, the Foreign Press Association has urged Israel to provide “unrestricted” access to Gaza for journalists. Since the conflict’s escalation in October 2023, independent coverage has been severely limited, with the association emphasizing, “We implore Israel to respect the principles of press freedom and allow journalists entry.” With over 350 members working across the region, the FPA criticized the current ban on foreign journalists as an “indication of how far the country has strayed from democratic ideals.”
The FPA further acknowledged the bravery of Palestinian journalists, stating, “We salute our colleagues who continue reporting under threat, yet, restrictions on independent journalism deny the world a comprehensive understanding of the situation in Gaza.”
The ongoing conflict escalated significantly following an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, igniting hostilities that have devastated the region.
Currently, the Israeli military is mobilizing thousands of reservists to intensify its operations in Gaza. Reports indicate that these reservists will be stationed at Israel’s border with Lebanon and in the occupied West Bank, supplementing regular forces engaged in Gaza operations. Israeli media also noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed his visit to Azerbaijan due to recent developments.
Israeli security officials have reportedly approved plans for a broader offensive in the Gaza Strip, continuing actions that have intensified since the end of a fragile ceasefire with Hamas in March. In a related statement, Hamas declared that it would only free remaining hostages in exchange for a cessation of hostilities.
Appalling numbers reflect the human toll of this conflict, with health ministry figures in Gaza reporting over 52,400 deaths since its onset. The UN affirms these statistics as credible. Notably, the assault launched by Hamas on October 7 resulted in 1,218 fatalities, primarily among civilians, according to an AFP analysis of official data.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens and the operations escalate, the ramifications of this conflict continue to unfold with devastating consequences for countless individuals and families.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
