Israel steps up airstrikes in Gaza as civilian toll soars
Over 60 Palestinians killed in one hour, many of them children and women; 92% of Gaza homes destroyed; ceasefire talks falter
GAZA, Palestine (MNTV) — The Gaza Strip endured one of its deadliest nights as Israel launched more than 30 airstrikes within a single hour early Monday, killing at least 60 Palestinians and wounding hundreds more.
The onslaught brought the Palestinian death toll to over 53,339, with another 121,398 reported injured since the start of Israel’s offensive, according to figures released by Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The bombing campaign came amid a broader escalation, with hospitals overwhelmed as 136 dead bodies were brought in over the past 24 hours.
Another 364 people were treated for injuries, adding to what aid groups are calling a humanitarian emergency of unprecedented scale.
Among those killed was a 12-year-old boy, Mohammed Saeed al-Bardawil, who had survived an earlier massacre of medics in southern Gaza.
His father told Middle East Eye that Mohammed was shot by Israeli naval forces while fishing with him off the coast of Rafah. His death highlights the indiscriminate nature of Israel’s attacks and the grave risks innocent civilians face in their daily struggle to survive.
The Israeli military has issued yet another mass forced displacement order in Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city, prompting fears of a broader ground incursion in the densely populated southern region.
Residents have been seen evacuating with only what they can carry, as tanks and armored vehicles encircle the city.
At the heart of the escalation is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow that Israel will “take control” of the entire Gaza Strip.
On Monday, Netanyahu’s office announced that a limited amount of humanitarian aid will be allowed into Gaza “to prevent famine,” a move he admitted was prompted by diplomatic pressure rather than humanitarian concerns.
However, aid agencies have warned that any such relief remains symbolic unless access is swift, safe, and sustained. The intensification of the Israeli assault coincides with a collapse in indirect ceasefire negotiations taking place in Doha.
Talks brokered by Qatar aimed at halting the fighting and arranging a prisoner exchange have reportedly stalled. Israeli media outlet KAN cited both Israeli and foreign sources in reporting that “there is no progress in the talks for a deal,” and that Israel is now considering recalling its delegation unless a breakthrough is achieved.
An earlier Israeli proposal suggested a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of half of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas, but the offer has not led to any concrete steps forward. Both Hamas and the Israeli government have remained silent on the reported deadlock.
According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), 92% of all homes in Gaza have been either damaged or completely destroyed.
Entire neighborhoods have vanished, while families crowd into makeshift shelters, schools, and hospitals that are themselves frequently targeted. With power and water supplies largely cut off, disease and hunger are spreading rapidly.
In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Gaza campaign.
The charges include intentional targeting of civilians and obstruction of humanitarian relief. Israel is also the subject of a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), brought by South Africa, with hearings ongoing.
Despite these developments, Netanyahu’s government appears determined to press ahead. While many Western countries have allowed Israeli officials movement with impunity, defying ICJ orders to arrest them.
UN agencies and NGOs report widespread starvation, psychological trauma among children, and a total collapse of healthcare infrastructure. Gaza’s only remaining major hospital has run out of anesthetics, antibiotics, and even fuel for generators.
Doctors operate under candlelight, often performing surgeries without proper sterilization or pain relief.
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