Palestinians survey the aftermath of the Israel strike on Abu Dahrouj family home in zawaida, central gaza strip.
Israeli strikes in Gaza have left at least 17 Palestinians dead, including children, women, and entire families. The latest wave of bombings hit homes and tents in central and southern Gaza on Thursday. Local health officials confirmed that 10 children and three women were among the victims.
The attacks came as world leaders continued to pressure Israel for a ceasefire. At the United Nations General Assembly in New York, French President Emmanuel Macron strongly criticized Israel’s approach. He said that “total war in Gaza is causing civilian casualties but cannot end Hamas.”
Macron Pushes for Peace
Macron stressed that France’s recognition of a Palestinian state was based on the belief that it is “the only way to isolate Hamas.” He called Israel’s campaign a “failure” and urged U.S. President Donald Trump to step up efforts for a ceasefire.
According to Macron, any Israeli plan to annex the West Bank would cross a red line for both France and the United States. The White House has not yet responded to his remarks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently in the U.S., is expected to address the issue during his U.N. speech and upcoming meeting with Trump.
Deadly Strikes in Central and Southern Gaza
The heaviest toll came from Zawaida in central Gaza, where a strike destroyed a home and a tent. Twelve people were killed, including a couple and five of their children. Relatives said another child was missing under the rubble.
In Deir al-Balah, another strike hit a tent, killing a girl and injuring seven others. Meanwhile, in Khan Younis, four people died when an apartment building was bombed. Among them were a man, his pregnant wife, their 10-year-old child, and a female relative.
Hunger Deepens in Northern Gaza
Beyond the bombings, a worsening humanitarian crisis is gripping Gaza. A major Israeli ground operation has displaced over 300,000 people, but nearly 700,000 remain trapped. Many cannot afford to move.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that famine is spreading. Israel has blocked aid into northern Gaza since September 12, rejecting repeated U.N. requests for food deliveries. Many charity kitchens have been forced to shut down, reducing meals by half. Only 59,000 free meals are now provided daily.
Adding to the crisis, Israel closed the Allenby Bridge crossing this week after an attack killed two Israelis. OCHA said the move could severely disrupt aid efforts, as nearly a quarter of Gaza-bound aid passed through that crossing last month.
Israeli Strikes Extend to Yemen
The conflict widened on Thursday when Israel confirmed it carried out strikes in Yemen. Dozens of aircraft targeted Houthi military and intelligence sites. The attack followed a Houthi drone strike that injured 22 people in the southern Israeli city of Eilat.
Yemeni officials reported that two people were killed and dozens wounded in Israel’s strike. A residential building was hit in Sanaa, killing a woman and child and damaging a nearby school. Children playing in the courtyard were also injured.
Global Reactions and Recognition of Palestine
Several European nations, including France, Belgium, Malta, and Luxembourg, recently recognized a Palestinian state. They joined Canada, Australia, and the UK in backing a two-state solution.
Netanyahu strongly rejected these moves, accusing leaders of “rewarding murderers.” He vowed to oppose Palestinian statehood during his U.N. speech. Meanwhile, U.S. negotiators hinted at a “Trump 21-point peace plan,” but details remain undisclosed.
Rising Death Toll in Gaza
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 65,000 people have been killed and 167,000 wounded since the conflict began. Women and children account for about half of the casualties.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants stormed Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel says 48 hostages remain in Gaza, though only 20 are believed to be alive.
As Israeli strikes in Gaza continue, pressure for a ceasefire is mounting worldwide. However, with rising civilian deaths, worsening hunger, and new fronts opening, peace still seems distant.
