Israel Ramps Up Strikes on Gaza City, Leaving at Least 32 Dead
A barrage of airstrikes killed at least 32 people across Gaza City as Israel intensified its offensive in the region, urging Palestinians to evacuate, medical staff reported Saturday.
According to the morgue in Shifa Hospital, where the bodies were brought, the dead included 12 children. The hospital's director, Dr. Mona El-Kurd, confirmed that the number of casualties was "unprecedented" and that the hospital was overwhelmed with the influx of wounded patients.
The Israeli military has accused Hamas of putting surveillance equipment in high-rise buildings, which Israel has been targeting in recent days. On Saturday, multiple high-rise buildings were destroyed in Gaza City, adding to the devastation caused by the airstrikes.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been escalating for weeks, with both sides trading blows and neither showing signs of backing down. The Israeli military has been carrying out airstrikes on Gaza City, while Hamas has launched rockets into Israel.
According to a statement from the Israeli military, the strikes were aimed at "destroying the infrastructure" used by Hamas to launch attacks against Israel. However, critics have accused Israel of using disproportionate force and targeting civilian areas.
Dr. El-Kurd expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza City, saying that the hospital was struggling to cope with the influx of patients. "We are doing our best to provide medical care to those who need it, but we are facing a lot of challenges," she said.
The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and has urged both sides to respect international humanitarian law. The US State Department has also issued a statement condemning the violence and calling for restraint from all parties involved.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the situation in Gaza City remains dire. With no end in sight to the fighting, the people of Gaza are caught in the middle, struggling to survive amidst the chaos and destruction.
The Israeli military has not announced any plans to scale back its offensive, and Hamas has vowed to continue launching rockets into Israel. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza City is expected to worsen unless a ceasefire is brokered soon.
In the meantime, aid organizations are working tirelessly to provide assistance to those affected by the conflict. However, their efforts are being hindered by the ongoing violence and the lack of access to certain areas.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Gaza City are paying a heavy price for the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.