GAZA STRIP — Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple areas throughout the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of more than 400 Palestinians, according to local health officials.
The majority of those killed were women and children. This is the deadliest attack since the conflict began 17 months ago and marks the end of a ceasefire that had been in place since January.
The airstrikes were carried out under the direction of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
They followed a period of relative calm in the region, disrupting the fragile peace that had been maintained for several months.
Gaza’s health ministry confirmed the high number of fatalities and reported that many of the wounded were in critical condition.
Medical facilities in the region are overwhelmed by the influx of casualties, and the healthcare sector, already stretched thin due to years of conflict and limited resources, is struggling to provide adequate care.
Israeli officials defended the strikes, stating they were a response to perceived threats and aimed at disrupting militant activities in Gaza.
Military spokespersons cited intelligence indicating imminent attacks, justifying the pre-emptive strikes.
However, the high civilian death toll has led to widespread criticism, with many questioning the proportionality of the military response.