Dozens killed in new Israeli attacks on Gaza residential buildings
Israeli military operations in Beit Lahia, located in the northern region of Gaza, have resulted in the deaths of at least 12 Palestinians, among them a woman identified as a mother, according to reports from local officials.
Among the casualties were five children, including a six-month-old infant, who lost their lives amid heavy artillery shelling across the city.
Israeli military forces have demolished residential structures in the Tal as-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip.
In a recent escalation, drone strikes targeted residential structures in Rafah, coinciding with Israeli tank movements towards Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip and the Bureij refugee camp situated in the central region of the embattled territory.
The Health Ministry in Gaza has reported that the death toll has risen to at least 830 individuals in the Palestinian territory, following the resumption of extensive Israeli airstrikes on March 18.
The ministry has announced that the current death toll from the ongoing conflict in Gaza has risen to 50,183, with 38 fatalities occurring in the past 24 hours alone. This figure reflects the casualties since the onset of the Israeli offensive on October 7, 2023.
The United Nations reported on Tuesday that a minimum of 124,000 Palestinians have been displaced within the Gaza Strip as a result of resumed Israeli military operations.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that the healthcare system in Gaza is experiencing significant challenges. The system is grappling with providing necessary medical care amidst a surge in casualties. This situation is exacerbated by a drastic reduction in medical supplies, as the entry of essential items has been halted. Additionally, there is an acute shortage of medical equipment, blood units, and specialized healthcare professionals, putting further pressure on the ability to deliver adequate treatment.
“Over 50% of hospitals currently handling trauma cases are reporting bed occupancy rates exceeding 80%, prompting continuous appeals for blood donations, the report stated.”
**Israeli Forces Detain 15 Paramedics in Rafah Operation**
The Government Media Office in Gaza has issued a statement reporting that Israeli military forces have detained 15 paramedics and civil defense personnel in the southern city of Rafah on Tuesday.
The statement denounced the actions of the Israeli military, accusing it of persistently committing offenses against the Palestinian population, in what was described as a clear breach of international humanitarian law.
Reports indicate that 15 emergency responders were kidnapped while conducting rescue operations for the injured in the western region of Rafah.
The media office has attributed responsibility to Israel and the US administration for ensuring the safety of their personnel amidst the ongoing situation. The office has condemned the escalation, labeling it as “a war crime that necessitates immediate accountability.”
According to a statement, Israeli forces are allegedly targeting medical and relief personnel, a move that may contravene international agreements designed to ensure their protection.
The Gaza Government Media Office has issued an urgent plea to the global community, including the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and various human rights organizations, calling for immediate intervention to ensure the release of those held captive.
Supported by the United States and its Western allies, Israel initiated military operations in Gaza on October 7, 2023, following Hamas’ execution of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. This attack was stated as a counteraction to Israel’s prolonged policies perceived as oppressive towards Palestinians.
On November 21 of the previous year, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced the issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The charges against the individuals include allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.
Israel is currently confronting a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) related to its ongoing military operations in the besieged coastal strip.
