Israeli airstrikes across Gaza have killed 33 people within roughly 12 hours, marking one of the deadliest periods since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10. Hospital officials in Khan Younis reported that two early-morning strikes on Thursday killed five people, following Israeli claims that its soldiers had come under fire the previous day. Four additional strikes on tents sheltering displaced families in the area left 17 people dead, including women and children.
In Gaza City, two more strikes targeting a residential building killed 16 others, among them seven children and three women, according to Al-Shifa Hospital. Hamas condemned the attacks as a “shocking massacre” and denied firing at Israeli troops.
Grief unfolded at Nasser Hospital as families held funeral prayers for the victims. Among them was Abir Abu Moustapha, who lost her husband and three children when their tent was hit. She mourned beside their bodies, questioning why her children had to die.
The escalation comes as the ceasefire faces renewed pressure. Hospital officials said victims arrived from both sides of the zone established under last month’s truce, which divides Gaza into a border area under Israeli control and an intended safe zone. The strikes also follow the U.N. Security Council’s approval of a U.S. plan for Gaza’s future governance, a proposal rejected by Hamas for what it sees as a mandate lacking neutrality.
Though Israeli strikes have slowed since the ceasefire began, they have not ceased entirely. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports more than 300 deaths since the truce took effect, with both Israel
and Hamas accusing each other of violating its terms.
