Israeli airstrikes killed at least 85 Palestinians across Gaza overnight and into Thursday, according to health officials. The bombardment comes as Israel intensifies its military operations following the collapse of a fragile ceasefire.
In response, Hamas launched three rockets toward Israel, marking its first attack since the truce was broken. The rockets caused no casualties, with one intercepted and two landing in open areas, according to Israeli officials.
The renewed violence has left Gaza devastated, with at least 592 people killed in the past three days, said Zaher al-Waheidi of Gaza’s Health Ministry. The dead include large numbers of women and children, as hospitals struggle to manage the rising toll.
Israel has reinforced its blockade on northern Gaza, preventing civilians from re-entering. Ground forces have advanced near Beit Lahiya in the north and Rafah in the south, while also retaking the strategic Netzarim corridor, effectively splitting Gaza in two.
A deadly strike in Abasan al-Kabira, near Khan Younis, killed at least 16 people, including a father and his seven children. Rescuers described harrowing scenes of destruction, with families buried beneath rubble.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired two missiles at Israel, both intercepted before reaching Israeli airspace. The attack follows recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi forces.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the United Nations has accused Israel of “disproportionate violence against women and children.” Israel maintains that it targets militants and attributes civilian casualties to Hamas’ operations in densely populated areas.
With Gaza in ruins and no sign of de-escalation, residents brace for further bloodshed in the days ahead.