At least 14 Palestinians were killed overnight in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City, according to health officials, as the war entered another escalation just days before several Western nations are expected to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly.
The renewed Israeli offensive, aimed at what the military calls the “destruction of Hamas’ military infrastructure,” has intensified civilian suffering in Gaza. Nearly 65,100 people have been killed in the past 23 months, with 90% of the population displaced and experts warning of famine in Gaza City.
Families Caught in the Crossfire
Among the victims were six members of one family, relatives of Shifa Hospital’s director, Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiya. Another five people were killed near Shawa Square, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
The Israeli military said it could not comment on specific strikes but maintained it is taking “feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm.”
Mass Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis
Thousands of Palestinians continue to flee Gaza City by foot and vehicles, carrying only what they can. Aid groups warn that these forced evacuations will exacerbate an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
“No water, electricity, or internet. People are forced to leave with nothing,” said resident Seif Abu Oomsan. Another displaced civilian, Faris Swafiri, added: “We are headed toward the unknown. Nobody knows where they are going.”
Meanwhile, UNICEF reported that life-saving therapeutic food destined for malnourished children was stolen at gunpoint from its trucks in Gaza City, worsening the dire conditions.
Hostage Families Demand Action
In Israel, thousands protested in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate for the release of hostages still held by Hamas. Families accused Netanyahu of using their loved ones as “political tools to cling to power.”
Currently, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with fewer than half believed to be alive. Freed hostages joined the protests, warning that abandoning them would threaten Israel’s moral and national fabric.
Recognition of Palestinian Statehood
The strikes come as momentum grows for international recognition of Palestine. Countries including the U.K., France, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Malta are expected to take steps at the U.N. next week.
Portugal has confirmed it will officially recognize a Palestinian state on Sunday, making it one of the first EU countries to do so this year.
The escalation threatens to derail any ceasefire efforts, with analysts warning the conflict could last for months.
