Israeli Airstrike in Northern Gaza Results in 35 Civilian Deaths

Gaza city: An Israeli airstrike on a residential block in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, resulted in the deaths of over 35 civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, and left many others injured, according to local reports. The strike targeted a cluster of homes belonging to the Abu Shdaq, Al-Masri, and Salman families. According to Kuwait News Agency, the affected area has been inundated with urgent pleas for assistance as rescue efforts continue to be hindered by a blockade imposed by Israeli forces, preventing ambulances and civil defense from reaching victims. This has led to significant challenges in recovering those trapped under debris. A separate airstrike in Gaza City on a home belonging to the Zaqqut family resulted in two additional civilian deaths and numerous injuries. The ongoing conflict has severely impacted healthcare facilities, with the Indonesian Hospital and Kamal Adwan Hospital ceasing operations earlier in the day due to infrastructure collapse. The health crisis in Gaza is further aggravated by the blockade, which restricts access to medical facilities, supplies, and personnel. Reports indicate that since the escalation in October 2023, there have been over 42,847 Palestinian fatalities and more than 100,544 injuries. Efforts by emergency and civil defense teams to assist those trapped under rubble continue to face significant obstacles due to ongoing attacks. Despite calls from the United Nations Security Council for an immediate ceasefire and the International Court of Justice's directives to prevent further humanitarian disaster, the situation remains dire.