medical officials report that at least 31 Palestinians have been killed due to the airstrike by Israeli forces yesterday. Residents and international health organizations are increasingly concerned with civilian safety in light of evacuation zones and hospitals that are increasingly targeted by this series of strikes concentrated primarily in northern Gaza, the location of the ground offensive of Israeli forces.

Civilians Continue to Increase Toll Amid Accusations of Forced Evacuation

The highest casualty toll was reported in the northern towns of Beit Lahiya and Jabalia, with separate strikes killing 13 people, including four children, according to health officials. Palestinian authorities say these are part of a strategy for clearing civilians from targeted towns. In contrast, Israel says these operations are to weaken Hamas forces that use these areas for attacks.

Hospitals and Clinics Come Under Fire

Later Sunday, Kamal Adwan Hospital near Beit Lahiya reported an incident of Israeli tank fire: a child was critically wounded, water supplies were disrupted, the courtyard was set on fire, and even the neonatal intensive care unit caught fire. That was a few hours after a WHO delegation had visited the premises, and the director immediately called for specialized medical teams to be sent to face the number of casualties it was experiencing.

Meanwhile, reports said that there was an Israeli fire at a northern Gaza clinic targeting a polio vaccination campaign; four children were injured as a result. The WHO condemned the attack which stated that such humanitarian health efforts, especially those involving children, must be protected.

Call for Ceasefire is on the Rise as Skirmishes Intensify

He demanded a ceasefire, underlining the need to protect children’s health and continue all life-saving humanitarian work, including vaccination. He again stated that even the temporary humanitarian breaks agreed upon for such work must be done without violation.

The situation seems miserable, with no grounds for voices seeking a ceasefire. Hamas came up with a statement on the long-term truce with its commitment to tone down the situation. Yet, PM Netanyahu has remarked that only when Hamas collapses will there be hostilities once and for all.

Background and Ongoing Crisis

The current escalation began following attacks by Hamas-led militants against Israel on October 7, 2023, when they killed 1,200 Israelis and abducted 251 hostages to Gaza. The Israeli strikes on the air and the ground have resulted in over 43,000 deaths of Palestinians, and their health ministry reports further severe destruction and humanitarian crises throughout the region.