At least 38 Palestinians were killed in a devastating 30-minute Israeli bombardment across Gaza, according to local medics, marking one of the deadliest short-term escalations in recent months. Strikes hit residential areas in Rafah and Khan Younis, reducing buildings to rubble and overwhelming hospitals. As the Israel-Hamas war enters its ninth month, the attack underscores worsening civilian suffering and global calls for accountability amid stalled ceasefire negotiations.
The Attack: Timeline and Immediate Aftermath
The strikes began just after dawn on Tuesday, targeting homes and streets in southern Gaza’s Rafah and Khan Younis. Eyewitnesses described “apocalyptic” scenes as explosions tore through densely populated neighborhoods. Medics at Najjar Hospital reported 38 fatalities—including 14 children—and over 80 injuries, with victims trapped under collapsed buildings. Rescue teams, lacking heavy machinery, dug through debris by hand. “We pulled out bodies in pieces,” said a volunteer with the Palestinian Civil Defense.
Israeli military officials confirmed the operation, calling it a “counterterrorism strike” against Hamas infrastructure. Hamas denied the presence of fighters in the area.
Rising Toll and Regional Tensions
Tuesday’s bombardment raises Gaza’s death toll to over 38,300 Palestinians killed since October, per local health authorities. The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel (which killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages), has seen repeated failed ceasefire attempts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists the offensive will continue until Hamas is “dismantled,” despite U.S. pressure to protect civilians.
Regional tensions flared further this week as Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel, vowing retaliation for the Gaza strikes.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Gaza’s 2.3 million residents face catastrophic conditions: 85% are displaced, and UN agencies warn of famine due to blocked aid routes. Hospitals, already crippled by fuel shortages, are rejecting critical cases. “We’re stitching wounds without anesthesia,” said Dr. Ahmed al-Madhoun at Al-Aqsa Hospital. The UN Human Rights Office accused Israel of “collective punishment,” while Israel maintains Hamas exploits civilians as shields.
International Reactions and Calls for Ceasefire
The EU condemned the strikes as “disproportionate,” urging an immediate ceasefire. The U.S. reiterated “support for Israel’s security” but criticized the high civilian toll. Protesters in London, Paris, and New York demanded that governments halt arms sales to Israel. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is pursuing arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes—a move rejected by both sides.
Conclusion
A 30-minute Israeli bombardment in Gaza killed 38 people, deepening one of the 21st century’s gravest humanitarian crises. With ceasefire talks stalled and regional tensions escalating, civilians bear the brunt of a war with no end in sight. As global outrage grows, the strikes underscore urgent calls for accountability and a renewed push for peace—before more lives are lost to relentless violence.
