Israeli Airstrikes In Gaza Kill 30, Including 13 Children

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that 30 Palestinians, including 13 children, were killed early Sunday in Israeli airstrikes on two separate locations in northern Gaza, as Israel’s military campaign in the region intensifies.

The initial strike hit a residential house in Jabalia, killing at least 25 people and injuring more than 30 others. The second strike, which targeted the Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City, claimed five lives, with some civilians still missing under the rubble.

The attacks are part of a large-scale air and ground offensive by the Israeli military, which has been targeting areas in northern Gaza since October 6, in efforts to weaken Hamas forces.

The Israeli military, when contacted, stated it was “looking into the reports” of the recent civilian casualties.

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7, when Hamas launched a cross-border attack on southern Israel, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli fatalities, most of them civilians. In response, Israel’s counterattacks in Gaza have led to a death toll of over 43,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom were civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

On Friday, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed alarm at the escalating civilian death toll in Gaza, noting that women and children account for nearly 70% of confirmed fatalities.

The OHCHR condemned the “complete siege” imposed by Israel, saying that it has exacerbated suffering through starvation, illness, and severe deprivation of essential supplies. Israel’s mission to the UN in Geneva dismissed the report, arguing that it unfairly targeted Israel.

Amid mounting concern, UN officials have described conditions in northern Gaza as “under siege,” with aid severely restricted.

The United States, a major military supporter of Israel, previously cautioned it could withhold some assistance if Israel did not improve humanitarian access to Gaza by mid-November.

As conditions continue to deteriorate, the UN-backed Famine Review Committee issued a warning on Saturday, indicating a “substantial likelihood of famine” in northern Gaza. Food supplies have dwindled to their lowest levels since October, with aid deliveries drastically reduced. Israel’s military has questioned the accuracy of the report.