GAZA CITY: Amid mounting international pressure to stop its offensive in Gaza, Israel continued its intense bombardment of southern Gaza on Tuesday, resulting in dozens of casualties. The government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing scrutiny over the brutal Gaza attacks that have heightened tensions across the Middle East.
In an overnight wave of Israeli strikes, at least 78 people were killed in the Gaza Strip, with the southern city of Khan Younis bearing a major brunt. The ongoing relentless Israeli bombardments and ground operations since October 7 have killed over 24,285 Palestinians, with approximately 70 percent being women, young children, and adolescents, according to the Gaza Strip health ministry.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had indicated a winding down of intense operations in south Gaza during a news conference on Monday. However, the continued strikes raise concerns that the conflict may be expanding.
UN Chief Calls for Urgent Ceasefire in Gaza
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire to ensure the delivery of aid, facilitate the release of hostages, and prevent the escalation of the conflict.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have warned that the bombardment in Gaza could continue for months. The prolonged conflict has displaced around 85 percent of Gaza’s 2.4 million population, forcing many into shelters and creating challenges in accessing essential resources such as food, water, fuel, and medical care.
As temperatures drop, families in makeshift tents in Rafah resort to burning plastic to fend off the cold, despite the associated health risks. The dire humanitarian situation is evident, with some expressing desperation and a preference for death over the harsh conditions.
The United Nations underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire to address the humanitarian crisis and avoid further escalation in the already volatile region.
