Intensified Israeli Strikes in Gaza Claim 37 Lives, Medics Report
CAIRO, Nov 11 (Reuters) – Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have intensified, with an attack near the southern city of Khan Younis late Monday killing seven people at a café, according to Palestinian medics. Since Sunday night, the escalating strikes have brought the total death toll in central and southern Gaza to at least 37.
In Nuseirat, a refugee camp in central Gaza, Israeli forces advanced with tanks on Monday, firing into the area and causing widespread panic. Health officials at Al-Awda Hospital reported that air and ground strikes killed 20 people in the camp, including several individuals in a nearby tent encampment.
Zaik Mohammad, a local resident, described the fear and confusion: “Some people were trapped inside their homes, appealing to be allowed out, while others rushed to flee with whatever belongings they could carry.”
The Israeli military has not yet commented on Monday’s events.
Escalation Amid 14-Month Conflict
As the Gaza conflict enters its 14th month, Israel is concentrating its military operations on the northern and central regions of Gaza. Israeli officials have stated that these actions aim to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping and launching further attacks. This strategy has led to tens of thousands of Palestinians being instructed to evacuate, raising concerns that they may not be permitted to return to their homes.
Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire are currently stalled. Qatar, which had been mediating peace discussions, announced it would suspend efforts until both Israel and Hamas show greater interest in reaching a resolution.
Widespread Impact on Gaza’s Population and Infrastructure
Israeli airstrikes also targeted areas in Gaza City and Beit Lahiya in the north, where Israel’s military has been active since early October. At Kamal Adwan Hospital near Beit Lahiya, three medical workers were reportedly injured by drone fire.
Israel stated that one of its recent strikes killed Mohammad Abu Skhail, a senior commander of Islamic Jihad, a Hamas ally, in Gaza City. The strike took place at a former school compound, killing six people, according to Palestinian medical sources.
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Hospital Siege and Ongoing Military Operations
Israeli forces have reportedly surrounded three hospitals near Jabalia in northern Gaza for several weeks. Hospital officials have declined Israeli orders to evacuate, staying with their patients despite severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and fuel. Israel accuses Hamas of using civilians as shields, a claim Hamas denies.
In response to recent combat actions, Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters have reportedly engaged Israeli forces with ambushes, mortar fire, and anti-tank rockets, claiming to have inflicted heavy casualties on Israeli soldiers.
On Monday, Israel announced an expansion of a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza and stated it would allow additional tents, food, water, and medical supplies to enter. The military emphasized its commitment to dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages taken by Hamas in October.
Toll of the Conflict
The conflict reignited on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities, resulting in around 1,200 Israeli deaths and 253 hostages taken, according to Israeli sources. Israel’s ongoing military campaign has significantly impacted Gaza, with local health officials reporting approximately 43,500 Palestinian fatalities amid widespread destruction across the enclave, which houses over 2.1 million residents.
As the humanitarian crisis worsens, Palestinian and U.N. officials have voiced concerns, stating there are no truly safe areas within Gaza.
