 "At least 44 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza as new round of anti-war protests erupts against Hamas")
Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Sunday left at least 44 people killed and dozens injured, according to the territory’s civil defence agency. This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump.
“The death toll as a result of Israeli air strikes since dawn today is at least 44, including 21 in Khan Yunis,” the Gaza Strip’s main southern city, agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP.
Last month, Israel ended its ceasefire with Hamas and resumed its air and ground operations in Gaza. The renewed offensive involved widespread strikes and territorial advances aimed at increasing pressure on Hamas to agree to a new truce and release the remaining hostages.
Israel has also imposed a blockade, halting the entry of food, fuel, and humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, which heavily depends on external support for basic necessities.
“Stocks are getting low and the situation is becoming desperate,” the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees said on social media.
The latest Israeli strikes overnight into Sunday hit a tent and a house in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing five men, five women and five children, according to Nasser Hospital, which received the bodies.
Gaza erupts in anti-Hamas protests
Dozens of Palestinians took to the streets in Jabaliya for a new round of anti-war protests. Footage circulating on social media showed people marching and chanting against Hamas. Such protests, while rare, have occurred in recent weeks.
There is also anger inside Israel over the war’s resumption and its effects on remaining hostages in Gaza. Families of hostages along with some of those recently freed from Gaza and their supporters on Saturday urged Trump to help ensure the fighting ends.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsNetanyahu on Monday will meet with Trump for the second time since Trump began his latest term in January. The prime minister said they would discuss the war and the new 17% tariff imposed on Israel, part of a sweeping global decision by the new U.S. administration.
The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. Fifty-nine hostages are still held in Gaza — 24 believed to be alive — after most of the rest were released in ceasefires or other deals.
Israel’s offensive has killed at least 50,695 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many were civilians or combatants but says more than half were women and children. It says another 115,338 people have been wounded. Israel says it has killed around 20,000 militants, without providing evidence.
With inputs from agencies
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