GAZA CITY At least 52 Palestinians, including eight children and two women, were killed in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the civil defense agency, as the war now stretches beyond its 21st month.
The deadly attacks came just hours after Hamas expressed willingness to release 10 hostages in a possible step toward a ceasefire, raising new concerns over escalating violence even as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Deir el-Balah, where 17 people were killed outside a local medical distribution point, said Mohammad Al-Mughair, a spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defense. Victims had been waiting for nutritional supplements when the explosion hit.
“Suddenly, a drone approached then came the blast,” recalled 30-year-old Yousef Al-Aydi, who had been in line. “The ground shook, and everything was blood, screams, and chaos.”
Eight of the victims were children. Witnesses described scenes of devastation, with one man, Mohammed Abu Ouda, recounting how he saw a mother holding her child, both lying lifeless after the blast. “What was our fault? What did these children do to deserve this?” he asked.
The Israeli military confirmed a strike in Deir el-Balah, saying it had targeted a Hamas fighter involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel. It added that the incident is under review and said it regrets any harm to civilians.
Elsewhere in central Gaza’s Al-Bureij refugee camp, four members of one family died in a pre-dawn strike on their home. Nearby residents, including children, were seen sitting among rubble in makeshift shelters after the bombing.
More strikes followed in Gaza City and southern areas, including Khan Yunis and Rafah. According to Mughair, 27 additional people were killed in separate incidents throughout the day among them civilians near aid distribution points.
The United Nations has reported that more than 600 people have been killed in or near aid centers since late May, as Israel allows only limited supplies into Gaza. Humanitarian conditions remain dire, with over 2 million residents affected.
Since the war began following Hamas’ deadly assault on October 7, 2023 — which killed over 1,200 people in Israel — the Gaza health ministry says more than 57,680 Palestinians have died in the retaliatory Israeli campaign. Most of the victims are believed to be civilians.
Media access to Gaza remains restricted, making independent verification of casualty figures difficult. However, the United Nations considers the local health ministry’s numbers credible.
