At least 60 civilians have been killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, according to local officials, who confirmed that women and children are among the dead.
Heavy bombardments continued until Wednesday morning, overwhelming hospitals with a large influx of injured people. Medical sources said the attacks pose the most serious challenge yet to the fragile ceasefire that has been in effect since the beginning of the month.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had accused Hamas of violating the truce and ordered the military to launch a “powerful assault” on Gaza. Following his directive, intense airstrikes targeted various parts of the region throughout the night.
At Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, at least 10 bodies, including those of three women and six children, were brought in. In southern Gaza, Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received 20 bodies after five separate airstrikes—among them were 13 children and two women. Similarly, Al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza reported receiving 30 bodies, including 14 children.
Doctors say hospitals are running out of medical supplies and essential equipment to treat the growing number of casualties.
According to Israeli officials, the assault followed gunfire directed at Israeli troops in southern Gaza. The attack also came after Hamas handed over the “partial remains” of one hostage on Monday. Israel claims the remains belonged to one of its citizens abducted during the early phase of the war.
The United States has announced diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed hope that “violent confrontations will end soon.” However, analysts warn that continued airstrikes and rising civilian deaths are putting the ceasefire at serious risk.
Local officials have warned of an escalating humanitarian disaster if the attacks do not stop, as dozens of families are still believed to be trapped under rubble.
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