Deir Al‑Balah (Gaza Strip), Jan 31: Hospitals in the Gaza Strip reported that Israeli strikes killed at least 12 Palestinians in the early hours of Saturday, marking one of the highest single‑day death tolls since the October agreement aimed at halting the fighting. The attacks hit both northern and southern parts of the territory, striking residential structures and displacement camps amid a fragile and repeatedly violated truce framework.
According to medical officials from Nasser and Shifa Hospitals, the strikes targeted an apartment in Gaza City in the north and a makeshift tent in Khan Younis in the south. The casualties included two women and six children from two separate families, underscoring the heavy toll on civilians in densely populated and already war‑worn areas. Many of the injured were rushed to overcrowded medical facilities, where staff struggled to cope with limited supplies and power shortages.
The renewed violence comes amid mounting tensions over the implementation of the October‑brokered arrangement, which was intended to curb hostilities and allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid. Humanitarian organisations and local authorities have repeatedly warned that continued bombardments and ground operations risk further destabilising the fragile ceasefire and deepening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Israel’s military did not immediately respond to questions regarding the specific strikes or provide details about the stated targets. Israeli officials have previously said their operations are focused on dismantling militant infrastructure and neutralising threats from armed groups in Gaza, while acknowledging the risk to civilians in such environments.
The latest round of killings has reignited calls from rights groups and international actors for an immediate de‑escalation, full respect for international humanitarian law, and unhindered access for aid convoys to reach affected communities across the Strip.
