DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes and gunfire resulted in the deaths of at least 59 people across Gaza, according to health officials. This escalation occurs amid rising international calls for a ceasefire and negotiations for the return of hostages, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's firm stance on continuing military operations against Hamas.
Among the casualties were families struck in the Nuseirat refugee camp, where nine members of one family were killed in a single house, followed by 15 more individuals, including women and children, later on. In another incident, five people died when an airstrike targeted a tent housing displaced individuals. Health officials at al-Awda Hospital reported these fatalities, though the Israeli army denied knowledge of any incidents in that area during the reported times.
Concerns for healthcare access are growing as the director of Shifa Hospital in Gaza City warned of Israeli tanks nearing the hospital, which is currently treating 159 patients. Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiya emphasized that bombardments are relentless, creating an urgent need for humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, Helou Hospital is caring for 14 premature babies, yet it is hindered by a closed main gate due to drone activity above the facility.
On the international front, Netanyahu's recent speech at the U.N. General Assembly was met with mass walkouts from delegates, highlighting his increasingly isolated position. He reiterated the need to "finish the job" against Hamas, stating that around 48 hostages remain in Gaza, about 20 of whom are believed to be alive. In response, Itzik Horn, father of one of the hostages, criticized Netanyahu's approach, likening him to a "leper" if he fails to secure a comprehensive agreement to end the conflict.
As the situation intensifies, pressure is mounting on U.S. President Donald Trump to press for a ceasefire. He is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu on Monday, and a recent protest in Tel Aviv saw former hostages calling for Trump to prioritize the return of all captives. Doron Steinbrecher, a former hostage, pleaded for the safety and return of those still imprisoned, while Eli Cohen, uncle of Inbar Haiman, whose body is believed to be held in Gaza, echoed similar sentiments during a protest in Jerusalem.
The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as Israeli military operations ramp up. Israeli airstrikes targeted the Tufah neighborhood in Gaza City, leading to the deaths of at least 11 individuals, predominantly women and children. Additional strikes in the Shati refugee camp claimed the lives of four more people, and Israeli gunfire has been reported to have killed six Palestinians seeking aid in various regions of Gaza.
Conditions in hospitals and clinics across Gaza City are reaching a critical point. Two clinics have been destroyed by airstrikes, while others are struggling to operate amidst shortages of medicine, medical equipment, food, and fuel. Doctors Without Borders announced a halt to their activities in Gaza City, citing unacceptable risks as Israeli tanks approached their facilities.
Meanwhile, the food situation is dire, particularly in northern Gaza, where aid deliveries have been stopped since September 12. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported that Israel increasingly denies requests for aid transfers. Residents like Amal al-Aas describe food scarcity and unsafe drinking water while many escapees from Gaza City report that food aid is insufficient and quickly runs out at charity kitchens.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, Israeli operations have resulted in over 65,900 deaths and more than 167,000 injuries since the conflict escalated after Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but states that women and children comprise nearly half of the fatalities. The situation remains critical as the conflict continues with no immediate resolution in sight.
