In a devastating escalation of violence, Israeli military strikes killed at least 27 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Friday, medics reported. The tragic loss of life occurred as health officials resumed vaccination efforts against polio, targeting tens of thousands of children in the besieged enclave.
The deadliest strike occurred in Nuseirat, one of the territory’s eight historic refugee camps, where an Israeli airstrike claimed the lives of two women and two children. Gaza City witnessed two other airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of eight more people, according to medics. The remaining fatalities were reported in subsequent strikes across the enclave.
As the Israeli military continued its assault, forces clashed with Hamas-led militants in the Zeitoun suburb of Gaza City. Residents reported that tanks have been operating in the area for over a week, causing widespread destruction and displacement. Similar battles raged in eastern neighborhoods of Khan Younis and in Rafah, near the border with Egypt, where residents said Israeli forces blew up several houses.
The ongoing conflict has now entered its eleventh month, with multiple rounds of diplomacy failing to yield a ceasefire deal. The absence of a peaceful resolution has meant that Israeli and foreign hostages remain detained in Gaza, while many Palestinians continue to languish in Israeli jails.
Civilians Bear the Brunt of the Conflict
The latest escalation has once again highlighted the disproportionate impact of the conflict on civilians. The Gaza Strip, home to over 2 million people, has been under a crippling blockade since 2007, severely limiting access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare.
“We are living in a state of constant fear,” said Amal Abu Shawish, a resident of Nuseirat refugee camp. “The airstrikes can happen at any moment, and we have nowhere to go. We just want peace and an end to this suffering.”
Polio Vaccination Efforts Continue Amidst the Chaos
Despite the challenges posed by the conflict, health officials have resumed vaccination efforts against polio, targeting tens of thousands of children in the enclave. The initiative aims to prevent the spread of the disease, which can have devastating consequences for young children.
“We are doing our best to reach as many children as possible, despite the difficult circumstances,” said Dr. Majdi Duhair, a health official in Gaza. “We urge all parents to bring their children to the vaccination centers, as this is the only way to protect them from this debilitating disease.”
International Community Urged to Intervene
As the conflict continues to claim lives and destroy livelihoods, the international community is being urged to intervene. The Palestinian leadership has repeatedly called for a peaceful resolution, based on the principles of justice and equality.
“We urge the international community to take immediate action to stop the Israeli aggression and bring an end to the occupation,” said a spokesperson for the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The Palestinian people will not be silenced, and we will continue to fight for our rights and our freedom.”
In the face of the ongoing violence, the people of Gaza remain resolute, determined to rebuild and recover. As the world watches, it is imperative that the international community takes concrete steps to bring an end to the conflict and ensure a just and lasting peace for all Palestinians.
