Israeli airstrikes kill 28 in Gaza as conflict continues

At least 28 people, mostly women and children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The attacks took place in various areas, including Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Jabaliya. The escalation comes after Israel ended a temporary ceasefire with Hamas more than a month ago. Since March, Israel has cut off food and aid to Gaza’s two million residents, aiming to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages.

Strikes hit homes and public buildings

Multiple airstrikes struck both residential and public areas. In northern Gaza’s Jabaliya, a strike on a police station killed nine people. The Israeli military said the site was being used by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

In Khan Younis, three airstrikes killed seven people, including a mother and her two children. Two more children died in another nearby strike. In central Gaza, six people were killed, including two women and two children.

A home in Gaza City was hit in one of the deadliest strikes. Four children and their parents were killed.

Gaza under full blockade since March

Israel’s military strategy includes a strict blockade that began in early March. Food, medicine, and other vital goods are no longer allowed into Gaza. The goal is to force Hamas to release 59 remaining hostages. Of these, 24 are believed to be alive.

Hamas has said it will only consider releasing the hostages if Israel agrees to a lasting ceasefire, withdraws from Gaza, and frees Palestinian prisoners. Israel has rejected these demands, saying its goal is to destroy Hamas.

Rising death toll raises concern

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters crossed into southern Israel. About 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. Some of the hostages have been released in earlier ceasefire agreements.

Since then, Israel has launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 51,000 people have died, most of them women and children. The figures do not distinguish between civilians and fighters.

Israel says it has killed around 20,000 militants but has not shared detailed evidence.

Humanitarian crisis deepens

Conditions in Gaza continue to worsen. Aid agencies report food shortages, damaged hospitals, and a lack of medicine. Clean water is also hard to find.

The World Health Organization has warned of a health crisis if aid does not reach the area soon. Many hospitals are not able to treat the wounded due to limited supplies and damaged infrastructure.

International aid groups are calling for safe routes to bring in food, water, and medical aid. Talks for a new ceasefire have made little progress so far.

A call for peace and aid

The situation in Gaza remains critical. As fighting continues, civilians face growing risks and worsening living conditions. Human rights groups and international leaders are calling for both sides to return to negotiations.