Israel airstrikes in Gaza kill 49 overnight including refugees and some in homes
The strikes began late Friday and continued into Saturday morning, among others killing 12 people near the Palestine Stadium in Gaza City, which was sheltering displaced people, and eight more living in apartments, according to staff at Shifa hospital where the bodies were brought
At least 49 people have been killed in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes, with medical staff warning of an escalating humanitarian crisis as a ceasefire appears on the horizon.
The fresh onslaught started late Friday, stretching into Saturday morning. Fatalities included 12 people close to the Palestine Stadium in Gaza City – a refuge for those displaced – and eight individuals from residential apartments. Nasser hospital received more than 20 casualties, health authorities said.
The conflict has now claimed the lives of more than 56,000 Palestinians, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The ministry states that more than half of the dead were women and children.
Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza are facing a dire situation due to food shortages. After blocking all food supplies for two-and-a-half months, Israel permitted only a minimal amount of provisions into the territory since mid-May.
Palestinians have also been shot and injured while en route to collect food at newly established aid sites, managed by the American and Israeli supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, according to health officials in Gaza and eyewitnesses.
Palestinian onlookers claim that Israeli forces have fired upon crowds travelling towards these locations. The Israeli military has stated it is looking into incidents where civilians were harmed near these sites.
The latest attacks came after US President Donald Trump hinted at a potential truce within days. Addressing journalists in the Oval Office on Friday, President Trump said: "We're working on Gaza and trying to get it taken care of."
An insider told The Associated Press that Ron Dermer, Israel's Minister for Strategic Affairs, will visit Washington next week to deliberate on Gaza's ceasefire prospects, Iran, and various issues.
Negotiations have been sporadic since Israel violated the most recent ceasefire in March, persisting with its offensive in Gaza and exacerbating the Strip's severe humanitarian crisis. About 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with less than half believed to be alive.
They were among around 250 hostages taken during a Hamas attack on Israel on 7th October 2023, igniting an attack that has lasted for 21 months.
Families of the hostages are hopeful that Trump's role in securing the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran might apply additional pressure for a resolution in Gaza.
Hamas has consistently stated its willingness to release all hostages in return for an end to the Gaza war. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists he will only cease hostilities once Hamas is disarmed and exiled; a proposition the group has refused.
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