Over 300 people have been killed across Gaza within two days as Israel escalated its bombardment of the besieged enclave, striking school compounds, cafés, and civilian shelters, triggering fresh global condemnation.
Airstrikes levelled buildings used as shelters, including UN-operated schools, with images from the bombed sites showing children’s uniforms, bags and personal belongings strewn across the debris.
The assault follows Israel’s conclusion of a 12-day confrontation with Iran, in which more than 60 people were reportedly killed and thousands injured. The Netanyahu-led government has since redirected its military focus to Gaza, intensifying operations despite repeated calls for restraint.
Field reports and investigations suggest a growing pattern of indiscriminate targeting. According to Israeli newspaper Haaretz, a number of field commanders have reportedly authorised attacks on aid seekers gathered near humanitarian distribution points. The same report claims some of these commanders are under scrutiny for alleged war crimes, including attacks on UN and international NGO personnel.
Adding to the alarm, ministers from across Israel’s political spectrum have openly advocated for more aggressive tactics. Far-right cabinet members Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have threatened to collapse the Netanyahu coalition should any ceasefire with Hamas be entertained.
Amid rising civilian casualties, the Health Ministry in Gaza reported that 57,130 people have been killed and 134,592 injured since the start of Israel’s military campaign. The figures include aid workers, medical staff, and hundreds of children.
Also read: Israel has agreed to ceasefire, says Trump; warns Hamas to comply
Hamas, the principal militant group in Gaza, has reiterated its demand that the recently proposed US-backed ceasefire be tied to a full cessation of hostilities. “We seek guarantees that the ceasefire will lead to an end to this war,” a senior Hamas official stated.
The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen. Aid distribution centres, often the last refuge for Gaza’s displaced population, have themselves become targets, with more deaths now being reported at such locations than from direct military confrontations.
Former European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the situation, accusing US-aligned armed groups of massacring starving Palestinians. “Where is the EU’s conscience?” he said, denouncing Brussels’ muted response.
Despite mounting diplomatic pressure, there has been little sign of de-escalation. US President Donald Trump, set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week, told reporters he wanted “safety for the people of Gaza” but gave no details on enforcement mechanisms or timelines.
Meanwhile, international relief agencies have described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic beyond measure,” with food, medicine and electricity in critically short supply.
The lack of a political breakthrough continues to fuel the crisis, with analysts warning that without external pressure or ceasefire enforcement, the humanitarian cost in Gaza will continue to rise at a staggering rate.
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