SRINAGAR: Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least 38 people across Gaza on Saturday, according to health officials, as international pressure mounted on Tel Aviv to halt its military campaign, reports Reuters.
The latest fatalities bring the death toll to thousands since the conflict erupted nearly a year ago, with hospitals in Gaza warning they are struggling to cope amid severe shortages of medicine, fuel and equipment. Residents reported heavy bombardment in Gaza City, Khan Younis and Rafah, forcing hundreds of families to flee their homes once again.
Despite growing global appeals for a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to press ahead with military operations until what he described as the “elimination of Hamas” was achieved. “We will not bow to external pressure,” he told a gathering of his cabinet, insisting that Israel’s security required “total victory”, according to AP.
The United Nations, European Union and several Arab nations reiterated their calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe. The UN Secretary-General urged both sides to “end the bloodshed before an entire generation is lost.”
Meanwhile, aid agencies said that restrictions on supplies entering Gaza had left nearly 2 million people facing critical shortages of food, clean water and shelter. The World Health Organization described conditions in the enclave as “beyond catastrophic”, while the Red Cross warned of the risk of famine if safe access for humanitarian convoys was not restored.
Diplomatic efforts have stalled despite weeks of mediation by Egypt, Qatar and the United States. Negotiators had floated the possibility of a phased truce tied to the release of hostages held by Hamas, but Israeli officials said progress remained limited.
The violence has also fuelled tensions across the wider region, with clashes reported in the West Bank and sporadic exchanges of fire along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. Security analysts warned the conflict risked spiralling into a broader confrontation if no breakthrough was achieved soon.
