Escalation in Gaza: Rising Casualties Amid Intensified Airstrikes

The Israeli forces have intensified airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 40 people, amid ongoing conflict with Hamas-led militants. The escalating violence, which includes attacks on densely populated camps and schools, threatens to widen into a regional war involving Hezbollah and Iran.

Israeli forces intensified airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, resulting in at least 40 Palestinian deaths, according to medical sources. This escalation comes as Israel prepares for potential wider conflict with Hamas-led militants.

Strikes targeted houses in Gaza's Al-Bureij and Al-Nuseirat camps, killing 19 people, while other attacks in Gaza City and Khan Younis resulted in additional casualties. The Israeli military claimed the attacks were directed at Hamas command centers, accusing the group of using civilian locations for military purposes, a charge that Hamas denies.

Amid the conflict, footage emerged on social media, showing casualties being transported on donkey carts. The armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad reported strikes on Israeli forces, causing deaths and injuries. Since the conflict began on Oct 7, at least 39,699 Palestinians have been killed, with fears of escalation involving Hezbollah and Iran following recent assassinations of key leaders.

(With inputs from agencies.)