Gaza’s Civil Defense reported Saturday that 23 people were killed in Israeli strikes and gunfire across the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave, which has endured over 20 months of conflict.
"At least 23 people were killed and dozens injured and taken to hospitals following Israeli gunfire and air raids," Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Bassal told AFP.
Due to media restrictions in Gaza and limited access on the ground, AFP cannot independently verify the casualty figures or statements from Civil Defense.
Bassal cited six airstrikes—allegedly carried out by drones and warplanes—that killed 21 people in total, including three children in a house attack in Jabalia, northern Gaza.
Two others were reportedly shot while waiting for food distribution in the central Gaza area known as Netzarim.
Asked for comment on Bassal’s statements, the Israeli army had not responded by mid-afternoon.
Following Tuesday’s ceasefire with Iran, Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said that the military was "refocusing on Gaza to bring the hostages home and dismantle Hamas rule."
The war began after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
According to an AFP tally based on official sources, the assault killed 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians. Forty-nine hostages taken that day remain in Gaza, 27 of whom have been declared dead by the Israeli military.
More than 56,412 Palestinians—mostly civilians—have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory military campaign, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, figures deemed reliable by the UN.
AFP
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