Over the past 48 hours, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have claimed at least 120 Palestinian lives, with severe damage reported to Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern part of the enclave. Medical officials confirmed that seven members of one family perished in a targeted home strike in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, while additional fatalities occurred across central and southern Gaza. The bombardment coincides with Israel's intensified ground offensive in the north, part of its broader campaign to dismantle Hamas operations since October 2023.
Kamal Adwan Hospital, struggling to remain operational amidst relentless strikes, has seen its emergency facilities, electrical systems, and oxygen supply network severely damaged. The hospital director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, reported that 12 medical staff were injured in targeted attacks near the emergency entrance. Despite the escalating danger, hospital staff have refused to evacuate. The Israeli military, however, denied knowledge of strikes in the area and maintained its commitment to minimizing civilian harm.
Israel accuses Hamas of using civilians and critical infrastructure, like hospitals, as shields for their operations—claims Hamas firmly denies. The military has released footage purportedly supporting these allegations, while Palestinian officials argue that the strikes are disproportionately targeting non-combatants. Local residents fear the northern bombardment signals a push to create a permanent buffer zone, a claim Israel rejects.
The conflict, which began after the deadly Hamas-led assault on Israel in October 2023, has now claimed over 44,000 Palestinian lives, with mass displacement across Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli forces remain steadfast in their stated mission to neutralize Hamas completely, rejecting any immediate truce without the group's eradication.
Ceasefire negotiations remain at an impasse after Qatar suspended its mediation efforts. While Hamas calls for a resolution to end the violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that the war will persist until Hamas is fully dismantled, leaving little hope for a peaceful resolution in the near future.
