Israeli Strikes Claim Lives of 'Around 100 Palestinians' in One Day
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Israeli air assaults devastated Gaza on Tuesday, resulting in a grim toll as stated by Palestinian Health Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra, who confirmed the loss of "around 100" Palestinian lives in a single day.
The strikes, spanning various locations across the Gaza Strip, wrought havoc. A poignant video, authenticated by Al Jazeera's fact-checking unit, depicted the arrival of an injured man at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis. This followed a reported strike on a residence in al-Shaboura refugee camp in Rafah, identified by photojournalist Abdallah al-Attar as the Mansour family residence in the heart of Rafah.
Separate strikes in the so-called Japanese neighborhood of Khan Younis prompted reports of multiple casualties, an unfolding tragedy closely monitored by Al Jazeera. Moreover, accounts of heavy bombardment in the Jabalia neighborhood in northern Gaza compounded the grim situation.
The UN relief agency's daily update for Tuesday, December 19, underscored the dire consequences of continued disruptions to phone and internet services, severely impeding emergency operations and access to critical information across most areas of the Gaza Strip.
Adding to the distress, the telecommunications blackout has persisted for six days, except for a partial restoration in southern Gaza on December 18, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
The updates from various organizations paint a harrowing picture: Israeli bombardments from air, land, and sea relentlessly targeted areas like Beit Hanoun, Jabaliya, and Beit Lahiya, causing profound destruction and suffering in the north.
Highlighting the urgent humanitarian situation, the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa conveyed the alarming plight, indicating that half of Gaza's population faces acute starvation.
Tragically, the Israeli assault extended beyond infrastructure and homes, as multiple health facilities and personnel bore the brunt of attacks on December 18 and 19.
Furthermore, a staggering 360,000 cases of infectious diseases have been recorded in UNRWA shelters, amplifying the health crisis amidst this escalating conflict.
At least 20,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 7.
