ISLAMABAD: Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Hamas militants in Gaza on Saturday, marking the latest challenge to the ceasefire initiated on October 10. According to the Associated Press, Gaza health officials reported at least 24 deaths and 54 injuries, including children, from the attacks. These strikes occurred amid accelerating global diplomatic initiatives to address the escalating crisis in the region.
The United Nations Security Council approved a US-proposed plan on Monday, establishing an international stabilization force for Gaza and an interim authority overseen by President Donald Trump. The framework also envisions the potential creation of an independent Palestinian state in the future. This development reflects growing international resolve to mitigate violence and foster long-term stability.
In the immediate aftermath, doubts over the ceasefire's viability have intensified, with five Palestinians killed in prior Israeli operations. Separately, Israel reported neutralizing 13 Hamas fighters in an airstrike in Lebanon. The UN General Assembly has reaffirmed robust support for Palestinian rights, a stance welcomed by the Arab Parliament, underscoring broader regional solidarity.
Eyewitness accounts from Gaza highlight the strikes' devastating impact. Shifa Hospital's managing director, Rami Mehanna, described a vehicle targeted in Gaza City's Rimal neighborhood, resulting in 11 fatalities and over 20 injuries. Hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiya noted that most wounded were children. Associated Press footage captured a charred vehicle with its roof completely destroyed.
Further assaults struck near Al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza, killing three and injuring 11. In Nuseirat camp, a house strike claimed seven lives, including a child, and wounded 16 others. An attack in Deir al-Balah on a residence resulted in three deaths, one a woman. These incidents, following 33 Palestinian casualties -- mostly women and children -- in a 12-hour period between Wednesday and Thursday, underscore Israel's pattern of retaliatory aerial campaigns after attacks on its troops.