Israeli Military Offensive in Gaza Claims 44 Lives Amid Intensified Strikes

At least 44 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Tuesday, with many victims being women and children, the Gaza civil defence agency reported.

Spokesman Mahmud Bassal said the casualties resulted from multiple strikes, including attacks on a school in Gaza City and homes in Deir el-Balah and Jabalia refugee camps.

The strikes killed 15 people near a gas station close to Nuseirat refugee camp, and others in residential areas, highlighting the heavy toll on civilians. Israel has not issued a statement on these recent attacks.

The intensified military offensive began Saturday, with Israel aiming to dismantle Hamas following the militant group’s deadly October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, which killed 1,218 people and led to a hostage crisis.

The Gaza health ministry reported that since March 18, Israeli strikes have killed at least 3,340 Palestinians, raising the overall death toll to 53,486.