Israeli Airstrikes Claim 18 Lives in Central Gaza Amid Mounting Pressure

Overnight airstrikes by Israeli forces in central Gaza claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals, including children, following the deaths of 33 at a United Nations-operated school sheltering displaced Palestinian families.

Strikes targeted the Nuseirat and Maghazi refugee camps and Deir al-Balah and Zawaiyda towns, resulting in casualties. Among those killed were four children, a woman, and the mayor of the Nuseirat refugee camp.

The Israeli army stated on Friday that it continued operations in parts of Central Gaza, reporting the killing of dozens of militants, the discovery of tunnel shafts, and the destruction of infrastructure in the area.

These strikes occurred a day after at least 33 people were killed at a U.N.-run school in the Nuseirat refugee camp, which Israel claimed was being used as a Hamas compound, although no evidence was provided.

International pressure has been growing on Israel to reduce civilian casualties in its conflict with Hamas.

Spain’s foreign minister announced intentions to request United Nations court permission to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Israel refutes the allegation.

According to the Health Ministry, more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed by eight months of Israeli bombardments and ground offensives in Gaza. The conflict has severely disrupted the flow of food, medicine, and other supplies, with over 1 million in Gaza facing the highest level of starvation by mid-July.

Israel initiated the war in response to a Hamas attack on October 7, during which militants stormed into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of about 250.

Around 80 hostages captured on October 7 are believed to remain alive in Gaza, alongside the remains of 43 others.

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