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Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike on a home in Jabaliya, northern Gaza. |
At dawn on Sunday, a reported Israeli strike on a residence in Jabalia, northern Gaza, resulted in dozens of fatalities and injuries, according to Palestinian medics. Social media footage, not yet verified by Reuters, displayed a number of bodies wrapped in blankets at a hospital. Residents mentioned that the impacted building housed at least 30 people.
The Palestinian news agency WAFA and Hamas media reported 32 fatalities, though the Gaza health ministry has not confirmed this figure. Later, the Israeli military stated it targeted a location in Jabalia where "terrorists were operating," explaining that these individuals posed a threat to IDF forces in the vicinity. Hamas denies Israeli accusations of using civilian areas for military activities.
Hamas Claims Attack on Israeli Soldiers Amid Halted Civil Services
Hamas’ armed wing claimed it had attacked 15 Israeli soldiers in Beit Lahiya with anti-tank rockets, grenades, and light arms; however, Israel has not commented on this claim, and Reuters could not independently verify the account. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service reported that its operations had been halted due to Israel's ongoing military actions in northern Gaza, though they did not provide specific casualty numbers.
Israel states that its forces entered Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun to neutralize Hamas militants responsible for attacks and prevent their regrouping, claiming hundreds of militants have been killed since the offensive began.
Elsewhere in Gaza City, an Israeli airstrike in the Sabra neighborhood reportedly killed Wael Al-Khour, a welfare ministry official, along with seven of his family members. The Israeli military is investigating this report.
Stalled Ceasefire Efforts and Blame Exchange
Efforts for a ceasefire remain unsuccessful, with Israel and Hamas assigning blame. Hamas has called for a comprehensive truce and a prisoner exchange, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that the war will only cease once Hamas is eliminated. Qatar, alongside Egypt and the U.S., has paused its mediation efforts, urging both sides to show commitment to resuming talks.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas forces attacked Israeli communities, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the capture of 253 hostages, according to Israeli sources. In response, Israel’s campaign in Gaza has led to significant destruction, with Palestinian health officials reporting about 43,500 Palestinian fatalities.
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