An Israeli airstrike late Monday killed at least seven people at a café near Khan Younis in southern Gaza, Palestinian medics reported, bringing the death toll from Israeli strikes since Sunday night to at least 37. The attack follows a deadly escalation in the region, with air and ground assaults targeting various areas of the Gaza Strip.
Earlier on Monday, Israeli tanks entered the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, sparking panic among residents and displaced families. The incursion, which saw tanks open fire as they advanced from the west, resulted in at least 20 deaths in the area, including some at a makeshift tent encampment, according to health officials at Al-Awda Hospital.
Local resident Zaik Mohammad described the chaos, saying many residents were caught off guard, with some unable to escape as they sought safety. “Some people couldn’t leave and remained trapped inside their homes, appealing to be allowed out, while others rushed out with whatever they could carry,” Mohammad, 25, said.
The violence comes as Israel continues its military operations in the north and center of Gaza, focusing on stopping Hamas militants and their regrouping efforts. The conflict, now in its 14th month, has prompted Israel to order evacuations of tens of thousands of Palestinians from key areas, raising concerns that they may never be allowed to return.
Further Israeli airstrikes also targeted Gaza City and Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, with casualties reported. At Kamal Adwan Hospital, located near Beit Lahiya, three medical workers were injured by Israeli drone fire.
The Israeli military confirmed a strike on Saturday killed a senior commander of the Islamic Jihad group, Mohammad Abu Skhail, who was reportedly at a command center within a former school building in Gaza City. Palestinian medics reported that the attack also claimed six other lives
Efforts for a ceasefire have been further complicated, with mediator Qatar suspending peace talks after both Israel and Hamas showed little interest in reaching an agreement.
