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Over thirty people lost their lives in an airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp on Saturday, as Israel continued its aggressive offensive in northern Gaza following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
According to health authorities in the Hamas-controlled enclave, 33 individuals were killed and many others were injured in the Israeli strike on several houses near the Nassar junction in Jabalia.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza highlights the challenges faced by international mediators in initiating talks for a ceasefire, even after the death of Sinwar, who was responsible for the attack that triggered the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the offensive would persist until the remaining 101 hostages held by Hamas were released. He presented an ultimatum to the militant group: release the hostages in exchange for a guarantee of safety.
This month, the Israel Defense Forces launched a renewed offensive on Jabalia and other areas in northern Gaza, targeting Hamas’ efforts to regroup and launch attacks.
Israeli forces surrounded the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia and launched tank shells at the compound. The entrance to the nearby Kamal Adwan hospital was also hit, resulting in casualties and a partial telecommunications blackout reported by residents.
The Gaza health ministry accused Israel of deliberately targeting the health system in northern Gaza and attempting to disable it.
Israel has long claimed that Hamas and other militant groups use hospitals and civilian infrastructure in Gaza for military purposes.
Following Sinwar’s death, a senior member of Hamas demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody and an end to aggression against Gaza before considering the return of Israeli hostages.
The conflict in Gaza has escalated to involve Israel and the Lebanon-based Hizbollah movement in open conflict.
Israel intensified its offensive against Hizbollah in response to repeated attacks from Lebanon, leading to air strikes and ground invasion by the IDF.
Hizbollah warned of further escalation in its confrontation with Israel, and alerts were issued in northern Israel for possible attacks.
An Israeli drone targeted a structure in Caesarea, near Netanyahu’s residence, but no injuries were reported.
Israel confirmed casualties from Hizbollah rockets in northern towns, while Lebanon witnessed casualties from Israeli strikes in Christian areas, raising concerns of sectarian tensions.
Warplanes targeted Hizbollah facilities in Beirut and southern Lebanon, with multiple strikes reported.
Iran’s supreme leader mourned Sinwar’s death and vowed continued support for the resistance front against Israel.
Iran is bracing for a potential Israeli response to its recent ballistic missile launch, with Israeli leaders threatening a severe reaction.
Additional reporting by Bita Ghaffari in Tehran