Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip claimed the lives of at least 61 people within 24 hours, according to local medics. The strikes come as Israeli forces continue their offensive against Hamas-led militants, marking 11 months of brutal conflict that has devastated the region and stymied diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire.
Among the deadliest of the recent strikes was an air raid on the Halima al-Sa'diyya school compound in Jabalia, a densely populated refugee camp. The school, which had been serving as a shelter for displaced individuals, became a target in the ongoing conflict, resulting in the deaths of at least eight people and leaving 15 others injured. The Israeli military stated that the strike was aimed at a Hamas command center allegedly operating within the compound, reiterating accusations that Hamas frequently uses civilian infrastructure for military purposes-allegations that Hamas has consistently denied.
The airstrikes also targeted residential areas, including a house in Gaza City, where five more people were killed. The ongoing violence underscores the complexity and intensity of the conflict, as both sides continue to blame each other for the failure of diplomatic efforts. Despite multiple rounds of mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, a ceasefire remains elusive, with CIA Director William Burns hinting at a new proposal in the coming days, though the prospects for a breakthrough appear dim.
Amid the violence, a critical public health initiative is underway in Gaza. The United Nations, in collaboration with local health authorities, has launched an urgent polio vaccination campaign following the first confirmed case in 25 years. The campaign aims to vaccinate 640,000 children across Gaza, a daunting task given the ongoing conflict. Despite the challenges, U.N. officials report progress, having reached over half of the targeted children in the southern and central regions of Gaza. The campaign is set to move to the northern regions on Sunday, with a second round of vaccinations planned four weeks later.
The backdrop to these humanitarian efforts is the relentless conflict that began on October 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of approximately 250 hostages. In retaliation, Israel has conducted a sustained military assault on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 40,900 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The violence has also displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza, which numbers 2.3 million, exacerbating a growing humanitarian crisis.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating death toll and the impact on civilians. On Saturday, the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for both Israel and Hamas to make concessions to achieve a ceasefire, a sentiment echoed by many global leaders. However, the deadlock continues, with Hamas accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of introducing new conditions that would prolong the conflict, while Netanyahu insists that it is Hamas that has made unacceptable demands.
As the violence persists, the situation in the occupied West Bank has also deteriorated. In a related development, Israeli forces reportedly shot and killed a 13-year-old Palestinian girl, Bana Laboom, and an American protester, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, in separate incidents. Eygi, a 26-year-old from Seattle who also held Turkish citizenship, was shot in the head during a protest near the city of Nablus. Witnesses stated that she posed no threat to Israeli forces at the time of the shooting, which occurred after clashes had subsided. The White House has called on Israel to investigate the incident, while the Israeli military stated that it is reviewing the circumstances of the shooting.
