At least 34 Palestinians Dead As Israel Intensifies Airstrikes across Gaza Strip
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – At least 34 Palestinians were killed in a wave of Israeli airstrikes on refugee tents and homes across Gaza on Tuesday, amid an escalation of Israel's ground operations in the north of the enclave, according to medical sources.
Israeli warplanes struck two tents for displaced individuals in the central city of Deir al-Balah, killing six people, including two women and two children, a medical source reported.
A Palestinian basketball player died from injuries sustained in an airstrike on his residence in the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, the source added.
Three more lives were lost, with others wounded, in a separate strike targeting a refugee tent east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to another medical source.
Additionally, the bodies of four people were recovered following an airstrike on a home in eastern Gaza City, the source said.
Another medical source reported that 20 more bodies were retrieved from the rubble of a home targeted by Israeli warplanes on Monday night in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza.
Witnesses noted that several individuals remain missing, possibly trapped under the debris.
The Israeli military has imposed a blockade in northern Gaza, claiming the action is aimed at preventing Hamas from regrouping. However, Palestinians assert that Israel intends to occupy the region and forcibly displace its residents.
Since the siege began, more than 1,800 people have died, with food and essential supplies critically restricted, according to Palestinian health officials.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed profound concern Monday over Israel's ongoing attacks on Gaza hospitals, calling for an immediate ceasefire to safeguard civilians and medical personnel.
“It is appalling that hospitals in Gaza continue to be attacked,” he posted on X, urging, “Lives depend on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. It’s time to silence the gunfire and deliver peace!”
The WHO’s recent mission to Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza revealed that the facility’s third floor was struck following their visit, injuring six pediatric patients, with one critically hurt. WHO staff managed to deliver medical supplies, including 150 blood units and 20,000 liters of fuel, amid ongoing nearby shelling, Tedros said.
The team also facilitated the transfer of 25 patients and 37 companions to Al-Shifa Hospital, he noted.
The WHO reached Al-Awda Hospital, also in northern Gaza, successfully transferring five patients but were barred from providing essential supplies, threatening the hospital’s operations, he added.
Tedros condemned the lack of security for health workers amid continued Israeli bombardments that have severely hindered humanitarian efforts.
The Israeli offensive has led to nearly 43,400 Palestinian deaths, rendering much of Gaza uninhabitable, officials reported. The International Court of Justice is currently reviewing a genocide case against Israel for its aggressions in the besieged territory.