WEB DESK: At least 23 Palestinians, including children, were killed on Wednesday in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip, marking one of the deadliest days since the October ceasefire. Civilians suffered heavily as medical evacuations at the Rafah crossing faced delays amid escalating violence.
Fourteen deaths occurred in Gaza City’s Tuffah and Zeitoun neighborhoods, while six more were reported in southern Gaza, including four in tents sheltering displaced people near Khan Younis and two in a coastal tent camp. Among the dead was Hussein Hasan Hussein al-Sumairy, a Palestine Red Crescent Society first responder. Al Jazeera journalist Tareq Abu Azzoum noted residential homes were targeted without warning, leaving residents defenseless. Drone activity suggests further attacks are expected.
The Israeli military stated it launched strikes on northern Gaza after a reserve officer was severely injured near the “yellow line” boundary, which was moved eastward, heightening local fears. Since the ceasefire began four months ago, over 520 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli operations. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported receiving 54 bodies and 66 boxes of human remains from Israeli authorities for identification.
Medical evacuations through Rafah were suspended due to coordination delays but later resumed. According to the Palestine Red Crescent Society, evacuations involve thorough medical checks before transfers to Egyptian hospitals. Strict Israeli controls mean only a few Palestinians can leave daily despite the partial reopening of the crossing.
Since October 7, 2023, upwards of 71,800 Palestinians have died in Israel’s ongoing military actions, with international observers denouncing these operations as genocidal. The humanitarian crisis persists, marked by limited medical access and continued threats to civilian lives and infrastructure. A genocide case against Israel is under review at the International Court of Justice.
