Gaza City, December 11, 2024 – At least 29 people were killed and dozens injured in a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting densely populated residential areas in Gaza, according to health officials in the region. The attacks, which occurred late Monday, have intensified fears of a further escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos and devastation as buildings crumbled under the bombardment, leaving families trapped under rubble. Rescue workers and volunteers scrambled to pull survivors from the debris amid continuous airstrikes.
Health authorities in Gaza confirmed that women and children were among the casualties. Hospitals, already overwhelmed by months of violence, are struggling to cope with the influx of injured civilians.
The Israeli military stated that the strikes were aimed at “eliminating threats from militant groups operating in Gaza.” Officials claimed that the targeted areas were being used as launch sites for rocket attacks against Israeli territories. However, local residents and rights groups have condemned the strikes, calling them disproportionate and in violation of international humanitarian law.
“These attacks are nothing short of war crimes,” said a spokesperson for the Palestinian Human Rights Organization. “Targeting civilian areas violates every norm of human decency and international law.”
The airstrikes come amid heightened tensions following a series of cross-border exchanges and a breakdown in ceasefire talks mediated by international actors. The renewed violence has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, with calls for immediate de-escalation.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the rising civilian toll and urged both parties to prioritize the protection of non-combatants. “The cycle of violence must stop. Civilians, especially women and children, are paying the heaviest price,” he said in a statement.
As the conflict continues, humanitarian agencies are warning of a worsening crisis in Gaza, where over 2 million residents live under a blockade, facing shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The international community is being urged to intervene to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
The situation remains volatile, with fears of further retaliatory actions from both sides. Efforts to broker a lasting peace have so far proven elusive, leaving residents of Gaza and Israel bracing for more violence in the days to come.