Palestinian officials report that Israeli airstrikes have killed 16 people in the Gaza Strip, including five women and four children, in a series of attacks early Monday.
One strike flattened a home in the densely populated Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 10 people, among them four women and two children.
The Awda Hospital confirmed receiving the bodies and reported that another 13 people were injured.
Among the dead were a mother, her child, and five siblings, according to hospital records. Another airstrike on a home in Gaza City claimed six lives, including a woman and two children, as confirmed by the Civil Defense, which operates under the Hamas-run government in Gaza.
Israel maintains that its strikes target terrorists and accuses Hamas of operating in civilian areas, putting non-combatants at risk. However, many Israeli airstrikes have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, though the Israeli military rarely comments on specific incidents.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war was triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack last year.
Israeli Defence Minister Warns of Increasing Tensions with Hezbollah
In a related development, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has warned that time is running out for an agreement with Hezbollah to halt fighting along the Israel-Lebanon border. Gallant made these comments during a conversation with U.S. Défense Secretary Lloyd Austin, emphasising that Hezbollah is increasingly aligning itself with Hamas in the ongoing conflict.
Hezbollah, a militant group allied with Iran, began launching rockets and drones into northern Israel following the outbreak of the war in Gaza. Israel has responded with airstrikes targeting Hezbollah leaders and has threatened broader military action, raising fears of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Despite months of negotiations mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, efforts to secure a cease-fire have repeatedly stalled.
Hezbollah has signalled it would cease its attacks if a truce is reached in Gaza, but Hamas has insisted that any agreement must include a lasting cease-fire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Gallant reiterated Israel’s position, stating, “In any possible scenario, Israel’s defence establishment will continue to operate to dismantle Hamas and ensure the return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza — by any means necessary.”
