Israel strikes Gaza, kills 20 in renewed attacks

At least 20 Palestinians, including children, have been killed in the early hours of Wednesday following a renewed wave of Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. 

The strikes reportedly targeted several densely populated areas, including Jabalia in the north, Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, and locations near Khan Younis in the south.

Medical sources in Gaza cited by WAFA say that hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of casualties amid continuing bombardment.

As of the time of reporting, the Israeli military had not issued a formal statement confirming the latest strikes or casualties, making independent verification of the events challenging. However, heavy fighting has continued across the enclave since Israel launched a new offensive late last week.

The renewed attacks have added to the growing death toll, which already sees dozens of lives lost daily. Ground troops are reportedly involved in coordinated operations across several fronts, intensifying pressure on a civilian population already facing dire humanitarian conditions.

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International reaction has grown increasingly critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza. On Tuesday, the United Kingdom announced a freeze on trade negotiations with Israel, imposed sanctions on select West Bank settlers, and summoned the Israeli ambassador for a formal rebuke. That same day, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas revealed that the EU would review its cooperation agreement with Israel in light of the worsening conflict.

The escalation stems from the October 7, 2023 attacks, when the militant group Hamas and its allies launched a deadly incursion into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 others hostage. Since then, Israel has mounted a retaliatory campaign that the Hamas-run health authority says has resulted in more than 53,000 deaths in Gaza.

These figures, however, do not clearly distinguish between civilian and militant casualties. With global scrutiny intensifying and diplomacy strained, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza shows little sign of abating as both sides remain entrenched in a prolonged and devastating conflict.

NAN