Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 73 people, including women and children, in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, according to Hamas-run authorities. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but are hindered by disrupted communications and internet services. Dozens more are reportedly injured, with many still trapped under rubble. While Israeli forces have acknowledged targeting “Hamas terror sites,” they claim the casualty figures provided by Hamas are exaggerated and unreliable.
The strikes on Saturday night follow days of intense bombardment in northern Gaza, specifically the Jabalia area, where 33 people were killed just a day earlier. Israeli forces claim their operations aim to neutralize Hamas’ ability to regroup. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations report that nearly no aid has been reaching northern Gaza, exacerbating the dire situation.
The UN has condemned the violence, with humanitarian chief Joyce Msuya describing the situation in Gaza as involving “unspeakable horrors,” calling for an end to the suffering. The United States has reportedly pressured Israel to increase aid access or face potential cuts to military assistance.
Simultaneously, Israeli airstrikes have intensified in Lebanon, specifically targeting Hezbollah’s facilities in southern Beirut. At least one large building was destroyed in these strikes, marking the heaviest assault on the Lebanese capital in more than a week. Israeli forces warned civilians to evacuate areas close to Hezbollah installations.
Hezbollah responded with rocket fire into northern Israel, reportedly launching around 200 projectiles. One Israeli civilian was killed by shrapnel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also revealed an alleged assassination attempt by Hezbollah, which involved a drone attack on his private residence. While no injuries were reported, Netanyahu described the attack as a serious miscalculation by Hezbollah and its backer, Iran.
As the conflict continues, the death toll in Gaza has risen to at least 42,519 since the war began in October, with tens of thousands more injured. Israel launched its military campaign after Hamas attacked on October 7, killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages. The recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli forces has not diminished tensions, with Hamas vowing continued resistance. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, stated that Sinwar’s death would not weaken Hamas or the broader Iran-backed “Axis of Resistance.”
As the violence escalates on multiple fronts, the international community continues to call for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict.