Introduction
At least 81 Palestinians have been killed and over 400 injured in Israeli strikes Gaza over the past 24 hours, the Hamas-run health ministry reports. The majority of victims were civilians—including children—buried under sand and rubble in tents and residential areas.
Stadium Strike: Displaced Families in the Crossfire
The deadliest single incident occurred near a stadium in Gaza City, where at least 11 people, including children, were killed while taking shelter under makeshift tents. Al-Shifa hospital staff and eyewitnesses confirmed the toll, and BBC-verified footage shows frantic rescue efforts, with people digging bodies by hand and spade (BBC).
The Israeli military claimed they struck “a suspicious individual who posed a threat to its forces” and said they were “unaware of injuries” beyond that person Israeli strikes Gaza.
Additional Strikes on Apartment Blocks and Schools
In al-Mawasi, at least 14 people—among them children—were killed in strikes on a residential building and tents. Families slept in tents due to overcrowded shelters. A grandmother of three of the victims questioned, “What did these children do to deserve this?” (AP News).
Another strike in the Tuffah neighborhood, where displaced Gazans sheltered near Jaffa School, killed at least eight people, including five children. Ambulance and civil defence crews struggle to reach victims, hampered by damaged roads and ongoing strikes.
Israel’s Military Justification
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintained that they struck targets posing threats to IDF troops operating in the northern Gaza Strip. They stressed they took “numerous steps to mitigate civilian harm” and remained unaware of casualties beyond the intended target—a claim disputed by medical staff and eyewitnesses.
Impact on Gaza’s Civilian Population
Since the October 2023 conflict, Gaza has endured ongoing bombardment. Hamas-run health authorities report over 56,000 deaths among Palestinian residents. Hitting civilian shelters and infrastructure has worsened humanitarian conditions, leaving tens of thousands without safe refuge.
The ongoing strikes on makeshift shelters, underground spaces, and schools housing displaced people have led to calls from international bodies for increased protection and accountability amid rising civilian tolls.
Questioning the Legitimacy of Military Claims
The military’s assertion about targeting “suspicious individuals” clashes with multiple reports and visual evidence showing heavy civilian casualties. This contradiction fuels criticism from rights organisations who argue that such strikes violate international humanitarian law unless credible intelligence supports them.
Ceasefire Negotiations and International Mediation
Following a collapsed two-month ceasefire in March, mediated by Qatar, Israel resumed fresh strikes. Qatari intermediaries indicate progress might occur within a week, aided by US diplomatic pressure. US President Trump said he was “hopeful” a truce could be reached soon.
In Tel Aviv, a large rally on Saturday evening demanded the release of remaining Israeli hostages and an urgent ceasefire. Protesters echoed the sentiment: “Bring everyone home in one phase.” The consecutive outbreaks of violence highlight the fragile nature of temporary accords and underscore the urgent need for a sustainable ceasefire.
Next Steps & Humanitarian Appeals
- Medical teams and humanitarian workers continue search-and-rescue operations at strike sites.
- International aid organisations appeal for safe humanitarian corridors and open access to affected sites.
- Diplomats aim to revive negotiation talks and finalise a binding ceasefire with guarantees for hostage release.
Conclusion
The latest wave of Israeli strikes in Gaza has once again underscored the human cost of the ongoing conflict. With civilian death tolls rising and shelters repeatedly targeted, calls for an immediate ceasefire are intensifying on multiple fronts. As humanitarian access remains limited, the international community must advocate for the protection of civilian lives and increased diplomatic urgency to prevent further tragedy.
Read more on the humanitarian dimensions of this conflict: Gaza Humanitarian Situation Overview.
