Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 24 Palestinians following three separate airstrikes in Gaza City early Tuesday morning, according to health officials. Additionally, tanks have intensified their presence in Rafah, located in the southern part of the enclave.
Reports from medics indicate that two of the airstrikes targeted schools in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people. Another strike on a house in the Shati (Beach) refugee camp claimed the lives of 10 others, including relatives of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who resides in Qatar. Among the casualties were one of his sisters and other family members, as confirmed by family and medical sources.
Haniyeh, who heads Hamas' diplomatic efforts and is a prominent figure in the militant Islamist group governing Gaza, has now lost several family members to Israeli airstrikes since October 7, including three sons. The Israeli military stated that the airstrikes targeted militants in Gaza City who were involved in planning attacks on Israel, including those implicated in hostage-taking and the October 7 cross-border attack by Hamas.
According to the Israeli military, the airstrikes hit structures used by "Hamas terrorists" in Shati and Daraj Tuffah in northern Gaza, alleging that these locations were being used by Hamas to shield their military activities, including within school compounds. Hamas has denied using civilian infrastructure such as schools and hospitals for military purposes.
Efforts mediated by international parties, supported by the United States, have thus far failed to secure a ceasefire agreement after more than eight months of conflict. Hamas insists on an agreement that permanently ends hostilities, while Israel has indicated willingness only for temporary ceasefires until Hamas' capacity to threaten Israel is neutralized.
The current escalation stems from an incident on October 7 when Hamas militants entered southern Israel, resulting in casualties and the capture of hostages, according to Israeli reports. In response, Israel launched a military campaign that, according to Palestinian health authorities, has claimed nearly 37,600 lives and left Gaza, a densely populated area, severely damaged.
On Tuesday, Gaza's health ministry reported a critical shortage of medicines and medical supplies due to ongoing Israeli military operations, control of crossings, and targeting of Gaza's health sector. Essential medications for emergencies, anesthesia, intensive care, and surgeries are in particularly short supply, while cancer patients face barriers in accessing necessary treatments.
The focus of recent fighting has been on Rafah, situated along Gaza's southern border with Egypt, where approximately half of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have sought refuge. Residents reported intense clashes overnight in western parts of Rafah, where tanks have expanded their presence in recent days, resulting in the destruction of several homes.
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