Gaza City: Israeli forces have intensified their military operations across the Gaza Strip, launching airstrikes and shelling that have resulted in at least 95 Palestinian fatalities and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure. Among the targeted sites were a crowded seaside cafe, multiple schools, and critical food distribution centers.
The deadliest single incident reported was an Israeli strike on a seaside cafe in northern Gaza City, which claimed the lives of at least 39 people. Dozens more were wounded in the attack, which completely flattened the building and left a massive crater in its wake.
Israeli planes and tanks continued heavy bombardment across northern and southern Gaza, destroying clusters of homes. Thousands of residents received new evacuation orders from Israel as its tanks advanced into eastern areas of Gaza City in the north, and into Khan Younis and Rafah in the south.
In the Zeitoun suburb of Gaza City, Israeli tanks pushed into eastern areas and shelled several locations. Aircraft also bombed at least four schools that were sheltering hundreds of displaced families, reportedly after ordering them to evacuate. Another airstrike on a food distribution warehouse in Zeitoun killed at least 13 people attempting to collect rations. In southern Gaza, at least 15 Palestinians were killed while waiting for food at aid distribution hubs in Khan Younis.
These bombardments follow previous Israeli operations in northern Gaza that have left behind widespread destruction. The escalating attacks come amidst a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 80% of the territory now designated as an Israeli-militarized zone or under forced displacement threats, according to the United Nations. The UN has also reported that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is “unbearable,” with continued concerns about attacks on civilians seeking aid.
