Airstrikes by the Israeli military in the southern Gaza Strip have resulted in at least 70 deaths and dozens of injuries, according to Doctors Without Borders. Many of the victims were children and young people who required treatment for severe burns at Nasser Hospital on Sunday.
As midday approached, statistics at the clinic showed that 47 people had been killed in the attacks. A photographer for a German press agency reported seeing many body bags lined up in the clinic. The Israeli army initially did not release any statements about the attacks.
Médecins Sans Frontières’ project manager in southern Gaza, Christophe Garnier, described the situation as dire: “The medical needs are enormous.” The organization is prepared to expand its operations but requires “basic security guarantees and unrestricted access to medical and humanitarian supplies.” He stressed that a ceasefire was necessary now more than ever to stop the ongoing violence.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Saturday that the attacks would continue and be expanded to include southern areas of Gaza. The military has been urging residents of northern areas to flee to a southern zone west of Khan Yunis on the Mediterranean for over a month. Most recently, residents of Khan Younis were also advised to leave their homes due to increased violence in the region.