By Harun Nasrullah
London, (The Muslim News): Israeli forces have ramped up their indiscriminate attacks on Gaza, killing 23 Palestinians and injuring 66 in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to a staggering 41,825 since October 7, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. The number of injured has also surged to 96,910, with countless victims still trapped under the rubble. Rescue efforts are hampered by Israeli forces prevent ambulance and civil defence crews from reaching those in need, says the Ministry.
Among the latest casualties are twelve Palestinians, including three children, killed in a series of airstrikes across northern and central Gaza early Saturday morning. Medical teams from the Indonesian Hospital and Al-Aqsa Hospital confirmed the fatalities, including the deaths of civilians sheltering in a tent and residential buildings. In one of the worst-hit areas, Al-Zeitoun, two children were recovered from the rubble following an airstrike.
Witnesses have described the destruction caused by the strikes as vast, with entire buildings flattened and adjacent properties severely damaged.
Meanwhile, the devastation continues to unfold in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have launched relentless aerial and artillery bombardments.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported over 2,000 deaths since the onset of recenti Israeli attacks, including 127 children and 261 women. Friday’s strikes alone claimed 25 lives and left 127 injured.
Israeli drone and missile strikes have targeted densely populated areas, including the Beddawi refugee camp, where a Hamas military official, his wife, and two daughters were killed. In a further escalation, Israeli missiles hit the Burj al-Barajneh neighbourhood in Beirut, an area believed to be a Hezbollah [Hizbullah] stronghold. Southern Lebanon has witnessed similar devastation, with Israeli forces carrying out multiple airstrikes across the region, leading to more deaths and widespread destruction.
Hezbollah has retaliated, launching rocket barrages at military targets in northern Israel, including the Atar military industries near Sakhnin, as well as army bases and settlements in Upper Galilee. The group also claimed to have struck an Israeli Merkava tank, causing casualties among its crew.
While the violence escalates, Israeli forces have admitted to targeting religious sites, including mosques in Lebanon and Gaza, under the claim that they were being used by militant groups for operations.
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, 814 of the Strip’s 1,245 mosques were severely damaged another 148 during its intensified bombardment. Three churches have also been destroyed since the bombardment began, with many more religious sites damaged. This destruction is part of the larger, ongoing military offensive, which continues despite international outcry.
The humanitarian toll continues to mount, with many civilians left without access to medical care. In Lebanon, hospitals have been directly targeted, including the Salah Ghandoor Hospital, which was forced to close temporarily after being struck by Israeli artillery, injuring nine staff members.
[Photo: Palestinians hug one another in grief, offering comfort and support as they weep near ruins of demolished house belonging to Ganim family near Abu Serrar Junction in Nuseirat Refugee Camp in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza on 05 10, 2024 aftermath of Israeli attack.Photojournalist: Hassan Jedi/ AA]
