Escalation in Gaza: Strikes, Casualties, and a Humanitarian Crisis

An Israeli airstrike killed Mohammad Morsi, the deputy director of the Gaza Civil Emergency Service, and four of his family members. Israel's bombardment of Gaza has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with extensive civilian casualties, disrupted communications, and halted medical services. Efforts to mediate a ceasefire remain stalled.

An Israeli airstrike on a house in Jabalia on Sunday killed Mohammad Morsi, deputy director of the Gaza Civil Emergency Service in the northern areas of the Gaza Strip, and four of his family, health officials said. The Civil Emergency Service stated Morsi's death raised to 83 the number of its members killed by Israeli fire since Oct. 7.

There was no immediate Israeli comment on Morsi's death. Residents reported that Israeli forces had also demolished several houses in the Zeitoun suburb of Gaza City, 5 km from Jabalia. Medical teams were unable to respond to desperate calls from trapped and wounded residents.

"We hear constant bombing in Zeitoun. The occupation is wiping out Zeitoun, we are afraid about the people trapped in there," said one Gaza City resident, who wished to remain anonymous.

Later on Sunday, the Gaza health ministry reported that Israeli military strikes across the enclave killed at least 15 people. Residents reported disruptions in internet and communication services, which the Palestinian Telecommunication Company attributed to "the ongoing (Israeli) aggression."

Internet and communication outages are hampering medical efforts and civilian communication. Israel and Hamas continue to blame each other for the stalemate in ceasefire negotiations, with a new U.S. proposal in the works but with little hope for resolution.

On Sunday, the United Nations, in cooperation with local health authorities, extended a polio vaccination campaign targeting 640,000 children in Gaza. The campaign, necessitated by the first polio case in 25 years, is progressing despite the ongoing conflict.

U.N. officials noted significant progress, having reached over half of the target children in the initial stages. The conflict, sparked by a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, has resulted in over 40,900 Palestinian fatalities, massive displacement, and genocide allegations against Israel at the World Court, which Israel denies. The Palestinian health ministry's casualties include mainly civilians, although Israel claims a third are fighters.

(With inputs from agencies.)