Israeli airstrikes in Gaza overnight and into Friday left at least 30 people dead, including numerous women and children, hospital staff reported. The attacks occurred as stalled ceasefire negotiations aimed at ending the 15-month Israel-Hamas conflict were set to resume in Qatar.
Sirens also rang across Israel due to missiles reportedly fired from Yemen, though no injuries or significant damage were reported.
Civilian Casualties in Gaza
Staff at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital confirmed that strikes in areas such as Nuseirat, Zawaida, Maghazi, and Deir al-Balah killed over a dozen women and children. The death toll across the enclave over the past 24 hours reached 56, according to local sources.
Freelance journalist Omar al-Derawi was among those killed, with his colleagues mourning at his funeral. The Committee to Protect Journalists noted that more than 130 Palestinian journalists have been killed since the start of the war.
Israeli Military Operations
The Israeli military stated it had targeted Hamas gathering points and command centers, emphasizing its measures to minimize civilian harm, including aerial surveillance. A warning was issued for residents to evacuate parts of central Gaza ahead of planned strikes.
The ongoing offensive has caused extensive destruction and displaced 90% of Gaza’s population, with winter worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Missiles Fired from Yemen
In a separate escalation, missiles launched from Yemen triggered alarms in Jerusalem and central Israel. The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are suspected of being responsible. Israel reported that one missile was intercepted without causing injuries.
Ceasefire Talks Resuming
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized a delegation of intelligence and military officials to continue U.S.-led ceasefire negotiations in Qatar. Despite the talks, Netanyahu vowed to continue military operations in Gaza until Hamas is dismantled.
War Impact
The conflict, which began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of approximately 250 people. The retaliatory Israeli offensive has killed over 45,500 Palestinians, including significant numbers of women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
As the war drags on, both sides face mounting pressure to address the immense humanitarian toll and work towards a lasting resolution.
