Overnight Israeli strikes in Rafah, Gaza Strip, resulted in the deaths of 18 people, including 14 children. Israel has been carrying out frequent air raids on Rafah, where many residents have sought refuge from the ongoing conflict. Despite international calls for restraint, including from the U.S., Israel has vowed to expand its ground offensive in the city on the border with Egypt. The U.S. House of Representatives approved a $26 billion aid package, with around $9 billion allocated for humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
The first strike in Rafah killed a man, his wife, and their 3-year-old child, with the woman being pregnant. The doctors were able to save the unborn baby. The second strike killed 13 children and two women from the same family. A previous airstrike in Rafah had claimed nine lives, including six children. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, with more than 34,000 Palestinians killed and over 80% of Gaza’s population displaced, leading to concerns about a potential famine.
The conflict has led to regional unrest, with Israel and the U.S. on one side and Iran and allied militant groups on the other. Direct exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran have raised fears of all-out war between the two nations. Tensions have also escalated in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, with deadly incidents involving Palestinian attackers targeting Israeli forces reported. The total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers in the West Bank during the conflict has surpassed 469, with many casualties occurring during military arrest raids or violent protests.
The war in Gaza was triggered by a raid by Hamas and other militants into southern Israel, resulting in significant casualties and abductions. Thousands of Israelis have called for new elections and a deal with Hamas to secure the release of hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the conflict until Hamas is decisively defeated and all hostages are returned. The war has taken a heavy toll on both Palestinian and Israeli civilians, with tens of thousands of casualties reported on the Palestinian side and ongoing protests in Israel demanding a resolution to the conflict and the safe return of hostages.
The Gaza Health Ministry has reported over 34,000 Palestinian deaths and 76,901 injuries, with children and women accounting for a significant portion of the casualties. Many bodies remain trapped in rubble or in inaccessible areas, potentially raising the actual death toll. Israel has faced criticism for civilian casualties resulting from its military actions in densely populated areas, but the military has maintained that it targets Hamas fighters. The conflict has resulted in significant devastation and loss of life on both sides, with efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza ongoing amidst the ongoing violence.
