A dawn Israeli airstrike on a house in Jabalia, a densely populated area in northern Gaza, killed and wounded dozens of people on Sunday, according to Palestinian medics, reports Reuters.
Footage circulating on social media, yet to be verified by Reuters, appeared to show several bodies wrapped in blankets at a hospital. Residents reported that at least 30 people were in the building at the time of the strike.
The official Palestinian news agency WAFA and Hamas media reported a death toll of 32, though Gaza’s health ministry has not yet confirmed this figure.
The Civil Emergency Service said its operations in northern Gaza, including Jabalia, have been disrupted by an ongoing Israeli incursion since Oct. 5. The service could not provide a confirmed death toll for the strike.
Israel has stated that it deployed forces in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun to target Hamas fighters conducting attacks from these areas, claiming hundreds of militants have been killed since the offensive began.
In Gaza City, an Israeli airstrike targeted a house in the Sabra neighborhood, killing Wael Al-Khour, a Welfare Ministry official, along with seven family members, including his wife and children, according to medics and relatives.
The Israeli military said it is investigating reports of these incidents in Jabalia and Sabra.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire remain stalled, with Israel and Hamas assigning blame to one another. Hamas is seeking an end to the conflict and a prisoner-for-hostages exchange, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to continue the military campaign until Hamas is defeated.
Qatar, working alongside Egypt and the U.S. to mediate talks, has announced it will pause its mediation efforts until both parties demonstrate “willingness and seriousness” to negotiate.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
