Israel's military conducted an airstrike on a house in northern Gaza on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of at least 34 individuals, including 14 children, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense. The strike occurred in the city of Jabaliya, where displaced families were taking shelter.
Dr. Mohammed Al Moghayer, a spokesman for the Palestinian Civil Defense, reported that people remained trapped under the rubble, indicating that the death toll could increase. The Palestinian Authority’s news agency, Wafa, stated that the house was heavily populated with residents and displaced individuals, and many wounded were transported to Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City.
In response to inquiries regarding the strike, Israel's military claimed it targeted a "terrorist infrastructure site" in Jabaliya, asserting that militants posing a threat to troops had been operating there. The military stated it had taken measures to minimize civilian harm, although it did not provide evidence to support its claims, and noted that the incident was under review.
Dr. Hussam Abu Safyia, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Jabaliya, reported receiving distress calls about individuals trapped under debris but was unable to assist due to the ongoing situation. Kamal Adwan is one of the few operational hospitals in northern Gaza, which has suffered damage from Israeli attacks in recent weeks.
The city of Jabaliya has faced repeated assaults as the Israeli military intensifies its offensive in northern Gaza, aiming to dismantle a regrouped Hamas presence. The military has issued extensive evacuation orders for the region, and Israeli troops, tanks, and drones have been conducting near-daily bombardments.
According to the United Nations, humanitarian organizations, and Gazan health authorities, the Israeli offensive has led to widespread destruction and the deaths of hundreds of civilians. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that nearly 100,000 people have been displaced from northern Gaza to Gaza City over the past month, with an estimated 75,000 to 95,000 individuals still remaining in the northern region.
Many residents have declined to evacuate due to fears of permanent displacement, concerns over the dangers of moving through destroyed roads, or a lack of financial resources to relocate. A U.N.-backed panel warned that those remaining in northern Gaza face "an imminent and substantial likelihood of famine," urging immediate action to alleviate the severe suffering in the enclave.
Additionally, a separate airstrike on a residential building in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of five Palestinians, with ongoing searches for individuals trapped under the rubble. The Palestinian Civil Defense reported that its teams were "forcibly disabled" from operating in northern Gaza due to "ongoing targeting and Israeli aggression," leaving many without access to humanitarian and medical care.