Gaza Authorities Report 700 Casualties in Overnight Bombings as Israel Amplifies Airstrike Offensive

# Latest Developments: Gaza Health Ministry Reports Highest Death Toll in Israeli Strikes, UN Pleads for Aid for Gaza

In the recent surge of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Gaza’s health ministry has reported that more than 700 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes. This marks the highest 24-hour death toll since Israel launched its campaign to crush Hamas militants following a deadly attack on October 7. The strikes have resulted in a total of at least 5,791 Palestinian deaths, including 2,360 children, since October 7.

As the humanitarian situation worsens in Gaza, the United Nations is urgently calling for aid. Dr. Rick Brennan, the WHO Regional Emergencies Director, stated, “We are on our knees asking for that sustained, scaled up, protected humanitarian operation.” The UN agencies are also expressing concerns about the safety of their aid workers reaching those in need.

In response to the crisis, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Israel to offer support while cautioning against fighting without rules. He assured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that France stands “shoulder to shoulder” with Israel in its war against Hamas.

Meanwhile, on the ground, the situation remains dire. Areas in Gaza have been reduced to rubble, forcing over one million residents to seek shelter and limiting access to essential resources such as food, clean water, medicine, and fuel.

The Israeli military has stated that they have killed dozens of Hamas fighters in the recent airstrikes, targeting over 400 militant sites. However, there are concerns about the potential for a full-scale invasion, given the challenges posed by Hamas’ powerful arsenal and the complex urban setting of Gaza.

Foreign governments are expressing concern about the conflict escalating and igniting the entire Middle East region. Clashes have already taken place in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and along the Lebanon-Israel border. Qatar’s ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, has urged the international community to rein in Israel’s actions, warning against granting them “an unconditional green light.”

Amidst the escalating violence, Macron’s visit serves as a sign of support for Israel. He emphasized that France will not leave Israel isolated in its fight against Hamas but also stressed the risks of a regional conflict.

Overall, the situation in Gaza remains critical, with the death toll rising rapidly and the humanitarian needs growing by the day.

Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza and Ari Rabinovitch in Jerusalem; Additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick, Steve Holland, Rami Ayyub, and Humeyra Pamuk in Washington; Dan Williams and Emily Rose in Jerusalem; Moaz Abd-Alaziz in Cairo; Writing by Michael Perry and Angus MacSwan; editing by Miral Fahmy, Toby Chopra, Philippa Fletcher.

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