At least 51 Palestinians were killed over the weekend as Israeli airstrikes hit targets across Gaza Strip in one of the deadliest escalations in months, according to Gaza health authorities. This death toll rise followed rocket launches from Gaza into southern Israel that renewed fears of another prolonged conflict.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that this operation was in response to an increase in rocket fire from Gaza earlier in the week. They believed this strike campaign targeted “terror infrastructure,” including weapons storage sites, tunnels and command centers operated by militant groups.
“Our objective is to restore peace and stability in this region,” an IDF spokesperson stated.
Palestinian officials reported at least 17 women and children had died; hundreds more had been wounded, overwhelming hospitals throughout Gaza with emergency protocols. “The destruction is immense,” noted Dr. Youssef Abu Salim of Al-Shifa Hospital: “we are seeing critical injuries caused by collapsed buildings, shrapnel wounds and burns – yet lack basic supplies to treat all.”
Hamas, the militant group that governs Gaza, pledged retaliation against Israeli for sparking the latest spate of violence. Fawzi Barhoum of Hamas stated, “Zionist aggression will not go unanswered… Resistance by all means necessary will continue.”
Rocket sirens rang throughout southern Israel over the weekend, with Israeli military claiming they intercepted multiple projectiles using their Iron Dome defense system and neutralizing most projectiles; while most were neutralized, some still caused minor injuries or property damage in border towns of Sderot and Ashkelon.
This latest flare-up has caused swift international outrage, prompting an urgent call from the UN for an immediate ceasefire, warning that further fighting could escalate into a wider humanitarian disaster in the region. “Any loss of civilian lives must be treated as unacceptable – all sides must show restraint and return to dialogue,” stated Tor Wennesland, UN Middle East Envoy.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called for de-escalation, while affirming Israel’s right to self-defense while expressing concern over civilian casualties. Blinken stated, “We are engaged with regional partners to restore calm. Protecting innocent lives must remain top priorities.”
European Union officials issued statements supporting restraint while humanitarian organizations urged both sides to allow medical supplies and relief aid into Gaza – home to over 2 million people living under blockade – safely.
This latest escalation comes amid mounting tensions in the West Bank, political unrest in Israel and no progress made towards peace negotiations. Without meaningful diplomatic engagement from world powers, violence could quickly escalate into another full-scale conflict similar to 2014 and 2021 wars. Analysts warn of another full-scale war breaking out.
As deaths mount and airstrikes intensify, Gaza residents prepare for what could be another devastating chapter in a cycle of violence that has rendered their region unstable and fearful.