GAZA CITY: Israel continued with deadly strikes on the besieged Gaza Strip on Sunday, defying increasing international pleas for an urgent ceasefire. The ongoing Israeli bombardments mark the bloodiest phase of the Gaza violence, now entering its third month since October 7, devastating large parts of the Palestinian territory.
The health ministry in Gaza reported a tragic toll, stating, “24 Palestinians were killed this morning in Jabalia camp by an Israeli bombardment. Many are still missing under the rubble.” Additionally, at least 12 people were killed in Israeli strikes in the central city of Deir al-Balah. Israeli bombardments were also reported in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Younis, Gaza’s second city.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, the latest foreign envoy in Israel, joined the growing international chorus calling for an “immediate and durable” truce leading to a lasting ceasefire. Colonna highlighted the high Palestinian civilian casualties, stating that “too many civilians are being killed.”
Meanwhile, British Foreign Minister David Cameron and German counterpart Annalena Baerbock expressed support for an immediate ceasefire but insisted it must be sustainable. In a joint Sunday Times article, they emphasized, “We do not believe that calling right now for a general and immediate ceasefire, hoping it somehow becomes permanent, is the way forward.”
Since October 7, Israel’s offensive, involving sustained aerial bombardment and a ground invasion, has resulted in the deaths of over 18,800 Palestinian people, mostly women and children. The dire situation in Gaza has led to a massive displacement of 1.9 million Gazans, prompting warnings of a potential breakdown of civil order.
Humanitarian Disaster in Gaza Amidst Israeli Bombardments
International organizations, including the UN’s World Health Organization, have expressed deep concern over the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. A recent visit to Gaza City’s Al-Shifa hospital revealed alarming conditions, with the emergency department described as a “bloodbath” and a severe shortage of water and food for tens of thousands of displaced Palestinian people seeking shelter.
Pressure is mounting on the Israeli government, both from its top ally, the United States, and families of hostages, urging a reassessment or halt to the military campaign. Protests in Tel Aviv, where relatives of hostages gathered, emphasized the urgency of reaching a deal to bring their loved ones home after the army killed three captives in Gaza.
Efforts toward a truce involving mediator Qatar have resumed following a week-long ceasefire last month that allowed for a hostages-for-prisoners swap. Talks, including Israeli spy chief David Barnea and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, aim to renew the humanitarian pause.
The Gaza conflict has also escalated violence in the occupied West Bank, where five more Palestinians were killed in an Israeli army operation at the Tulkarem refugee camp.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced late Saturday that he would travel to Israel, Bahrain, and Qatar to underscore Washington’s commitments to strengthening regional security and stability.
