Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 82 Palestinians in Gaza in the last 24 hours, according to the territory’s health ministry. The intensifying bombardment targeted multiple residential areas across central and southern Gaza, causing widespread devastation.
Medical teams report that many of the dead were women and children, as rescue workers continue to search for survivors beneath the rubble. The current escalation is among the deadliest in recent months.
In addition to the ongoing strikes, Israel’s proposed plan to forcibly relocate civilians from Rafah into what some officials have termed “concentration camps” has sparked outrage among international human rights organizations and Palestinian leaders.
The United Nations has issued a warning that any large-scale displacement under such conditions could lead to an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, as food, water, and medical supplies are already critically low.
International Reaction
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International described the plan as a blatant violation of international law. “This is a forced displacement scenario that bears all the hallmarks of collective punishment,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty.
The European Union has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged Israel to allow unimpeded humanitarian access to the besieged areas.
Background
The escalation comes amid the collapse of ceasefire talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar. Israeli officials claim the strikes are aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure, while critics say civilian areas are being deliberately targeted.
Since the beginning of the conflict, thousands have been killed, and over a million people displaced inside Gaza.