At least 42 Palestinians, including 15 children, killed in Israeli airstrikes on northern Gaza

GAZA — At least 42 Palestinians, including 15 children, were killed in fresh Israeli airstrikes in the northern Gaza Strip on Sunday, according to medical sources.

Israeli warplanes bombed an inhabited home in Jabalia, the largest of Gaza’s refugee camps, killing at least 36 people, including 15 children.

Dozens more were injured, and several people remain missing under the rubble, the source added. Earlier reports had placed the death toll at 32, including 13 children.

Witnesses said the multi-story building, which housed both local residents and displaced families, was destroyed in the attack. Many individuals are still feared to be trapped beneath the wreckage.

Five additional fatalities were reported following an Israeli strike on a house in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood. Another Palestinian was killed in a separate attack in the Jabalia refugee camp.

The Israeli army has maintained its deadly air campaign in northern Gaza since October 5, allegedly to prevent Hamas from regrouping amidst the ongoing siege. However, Palestinians accuse Israel of attempting to occupy the region and forcibly displace its residents.

Since the siege began, no humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, or fuel, has been allowed by the Israeli military into the area, pushing the population to the brink of starvation.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s continued offensive on Gaza has claimed over 43,500 lives, with the enclave now rendered nearly uninhabitable. Israel is currently facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the blockaded region. — Agencies