58 Killed in Latest Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza, Including Children

At least 58 people were killed in Gaza within a 24-hour period, according to local health authorities, in the latest wave of Israeli airstrikes. Among the dead were children, with two victims from a strike on the al-Mawasi area, an Israeli-declared humanitarian zone. The bombing of a tent encampment in al-Mawasi killed eight people, including two children. Additionally, six individuals escorting an aid convoy were killed, along with two others in an attack on a vehicle.

Medics at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported receiving the bodies of the children, and the al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al-Balah confirmed three fatalities from an airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Israel has stated its military actions are aimed solely at Hamas militants, who it accuses of hiding among civilians, although Hamas denies these claims.

Meanwhile, northern Gaza hospitals, including Kamal Adwan Hospital, are struggling to function due to ongoing attacks, with the latter reportedly unable to evacuate patients after receiving an Israeli evacuation order. These hospitals are already overwhelmed, with some, like Kamal Adwan, housing hundreds of civilians, including critically ill babies.

In the midst of this violence, many displaced individuals are sheltering on Gaza's Mediterranean coastline, facing severe winter conditions and inadequate resources. Oxfam has reported significant delays in food and water aid, with only a fraction of deliveries reaching the region due to "deliberate obstructions" by Israeli forces.

Despite the grim situation, there are signs that a ceasefire agreement could be nearing, with Palestinian groups stating that a deal is closer than ever, provided that Israeli conditions do not impede progress. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also suggested that efforts to secure a deal, including the return of hostages, were making headway.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which erupted after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel in October 2023, has resulted in over 45,200 Palestinian deaths, with the majority being women and children. The toll continues to rise as the conflict shows no signs of resolution.