GAZA CITY ( The COW News Digital) The relentless Israeli military campaign in Gaza has once again resulted in devastating civilian casualties, with at least 83 Palestinians killed in a single day. The latest strikes targeted residential neighborhoods and even religious sites, intensifying international outcry over what many are calling a humanitarian catastrophe.
According to local health officials, the Israeli army bombed areas near Al-Shifa Hospital, killing 19 Palestinians, many of them women and children seeking shelter from ongoing bombardments. Another strike near Al-Ahli Hospital claimed the lives of four more civilians. The air raids also destroyed a mosque along with several residential buildings, leaving hundreds homeless.
Witnesses reported that entire blocks were reduced to rubble overnight, with rescue teams struggling to recover bodies from the debris. Civil defense authorities warned that the death toll could rise further as many victims are still believed to be trapped under collapsed structures.
Since the escalation began on October 7, 2023, more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry – a number that has shocked global human rights organizations and prompted calls for accountability.
International condemnation poured in following the latest strikes. China and Saudi Arabia issued strong statements denouncing Israel’s expanded military operations, calling for an immediate ceasefire. Similarly, the United Nations, Canada, France, and Ireland urged all parties to halt hostilities and return to negotiations.
At the same time, the European Commission introduced proposals to impose sanctions on Israel, including suspending trade privileges and restricting travel for extremist ministers and violent settler leaders. However, diplomatic insiders suggest that opposition from several EU member states may prevent these measures from being fully adopted.
Humanitarian agencies warn that Gaza’s already dire situation is worsening rapidly, with hospitals overwhelmed, electricity supplies collapsing, and food shortages reaching crisis levels. UN officials have reiterated their demand for humanitarian corridors to allow medical aid, food, and water to reach civilians trapped in the besieged enclave.
Despite growing international pressure, Israeli officials have vowed to continue operations until Hamas is completely dismantled, leaving the prospect of a near-term ceasefire increasingly uncertain.
