The Number of Martyrs Due to Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza Rises to 33

Israeli airstrikes on the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza early Thursday resulted in the martyrdom of five individuals, bringing the total number of fatalities from airstrikes on Palestinian territories over a period of approximately 12 hours to 33, most of whom are women and children, according to hospital officials in the sector.

These airstrikes were among the most intense since October 10, when a U.S.-brokered ceasefire came into effect.

The renewed escalation came after Israel stated that its soldiers were fired upon in Khan Younis on Wednesday. Israel claimed that no soldiers were killed and that the army responded with strikes.

The Palestinian Hamas movement condemned the Israeli airstrikes, describing them as a "horrific massacre." In a statement, Hamas denied firing at Israeli forces.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that more than 300 individuals have been killed since the ceasefire began. Each side accused the other of violating its terms, which include increasing the flow of aid to Gaza and returning hostages—alive or dead—to Israel.

The Israeli campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 69,000 Palestinians since it was launched more than two years ago following Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.