Tragic scenes unfolded in Gaza on Sunday as Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 40 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials and human rights groups. The most devastating attack occurred in the northern town of Jabalia, where a three-story residential building was destroyed at dawn, killing 24 people and injuring 30 others from nearby homes.
The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted areas where \"terrorists were operating,\" emphasizing that these militants posed a threat to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops in the region. However, Palestinian authorities and medical personnel continue to document significant civilian casualties.
In Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood, another airstrike claimed the lives of Wael Al-Khour, a welfare ministry official, his wife, their children, and grandchildren. Medical officials reported that emergency teams struggled to assist the injured due to delays at Israeli checkpoints, resulting in further loss of life.
The United Nations Human Rights Office released a sobering report on November 8, revealing that nearly 70 percent of verified fatalities in the ongoing Gaza conflict are women and children. The report criticized the strikes for violating international humanitarian law principles, including distinction and proportionality.
Amidst the chaos, Hamas' armed wing reported the killing of 15 Israeli soldiers in an attack in Beit Lahiya, though Israel has yet to confirm these claims. The cycle of violence continues to escalate, with both sides suffering significant losses and the civilian population bearing the brunt of the conflict.
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At least 40 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza, medics say
cgtn.com