Gaza Conflict Escalates: Officials and Families Targeted Amid Chaos

An Israeli airstrike killed Mohammad Morsi, deputy director of the Gaza Civil Emergency Service, and four of his family members in Jabalia. Israeli forces blew up houses in Gaza City, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Efforts to broker a ceasefire have faltered. A UN children's vaccination campaign in southern Gaza progressed despite the conflict.

An Israeli airstrike on a Jabalia home on Sunday resulted in the death of Mohammad Morsi, deputy director of the Gaza Civil Emergency Service in northern Gaza, and four relatives, health officials confirmed.

The Civil Emergency Service stated Morsi's passing brings the toll of its members killed by Israeli fire since Oct. 7 to 83. Israel did not immediately comment.

Residents reported the destruction of multiple houses by Israeli forces in the Zeitoun suburb of Gaza City. Medical teams faced difficulties responding to calls from trapped and injured residents. "We hear constant bombing in Zeitoun. The roaring of tanks and drones are incessant," said a Gaza City resident, preferring anonymity. Israel and Hamas continue to exchange blame over failed ceasefire negotiations, despite mediation efforts from Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S.

On Sunday, the United Nations, alongside local health authorities, extended a polio vaccination campaign in southern Gaza, aiming to inoculate 640,000 children amid the region's first polio case in 25 years. Despite pauses in fighting, officials reported progress, reaching over half the target children in initial stages.

The conflict, ignited by a Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, has killed 40,900 Palestinians, according to local health officials, displacing 2.3 million and leading to genocide accusations against Israel. The Palestinian health ministry reports mostly civilian casualties, while Israel claims a third are fighters and has lost 340 soldiers in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies.)