Israeli airstrikes result in the loss of 19 lives, according to Civil Defense reports
In the heart of the Middle East, the Gaza Strip continues to be a focal point of global concern. The current conflict, which began in October 2023 following an unprecedented attack led by Hamas, has taken a heavy toll on the region.
According to the Israeli army, out of the 251 people abducted that day, 47 remain hostages in Gaza. Tragically, 25 hostages have reportedly lost their lives. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are deeply involved in the conflict, with military operations including airstrikes and preparation for ground incursions, particularly focused on Gaza City.
The IDF's military intervention officially escalated to the next phase around August 2025, with preparatory measures for the Gaza City takeover announced. The start of this operation was not announced to "maintain the element of surprise," as stated by an Israeli army spokesperson, Nadav Shoshani. Moreover, Israeli authorities have announced their intention to conquer the entire northern part of the Gaza Strip.
The region is reportedly hit by famine, according to the UN, a claim that Israel denies. The war has resulted in at least 64,231 deaths in the Gaza Strip, mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas Health Ministry, deemed reliable by the UN.
On the ground, the Civil Defense, a first aid organization operating under the authority of the Islamic Hamas movement, reports at least ten injuries in addition to the 19 deaths due to the recent airstrikes. These airstrikes targeted buildings and tents of displaced people in several neighborhoods of Gaza City and its outskirts. The Israeli army was unable to comment on information about these latest strikes without their precise coordinates.
Thursday saw the Israeli army spokesperson indicating that Israeli troops controlled 40% of the city of Gaza. However, the toll of deaths and injuries remains a contentious issue, with the Civil Defense reporting these figures, but AFP being unable to independently verify the information due to media restrictions and difficulties on the ground in Gaza.
The conflict has also taken a toll on the Israeli side, with AFP reporting 1219 deaths, mostly civilians, since the attack. Israeli airstrikes in Gaza since dawn on Friday have resulted in 19 reported deaths.
Despite the ongoing conflict, nearly a million people live in the city of Gaza and its surroundings, according to the UN. The future of this region remains uncertain, with hopes for peace and stability fading as the days pass.
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