At least 34 people, including children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City overnight, according to health officials on Sunday, as Israel continues its military campaign in the famine-hit region. The escalation comes just ahead of a significant United Nations meeting, where several countries are expected to formally recognize the State of Palestine.
Most of the casualties were brought to Gaza’s Shifa Hospital, where officials reported that a late-night airstrike Saturday hit a residential area in the city’s south, killing 14 people. Among the dead were a nurse from the hospital, his wife, and their three children.
This latest offensive, launched earlier this week, marks a further intensification of the conflict. The Israeli military has stated its goal is to eliminate Hamas' military capabilities, though no clear timeline has been given for the operation — which analysts say could drag on for months.
International Recognition of Palestine Gaining Momentum
The attacks come as momentum builds among several Western nations to recognize Palestinian statehood during the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday. Countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, Malta, Belgium, and Luxembourg are expected to support the move. Portugal’s Foreign Ministry has already announced its recognition, effective Sunday.
In Israel, over 60 peace and reconciliation groups — both Jewish and Arab — have welcomed the move. In a joint video message, the coalition, known as It's Time, urged an end to the war, the release of hostages, and the formal recognition of a Palestinian state.
“We don’t want to live by the sword forever,” said the group. “This UN resolution presents a historic chance to break free from endless war and move toward security and freedom for both peoples.”
Ceasefire Still Out of Reach Amid Escalating Crisis
Despite growing calls for peace, a ceasefire remains unlikely. Nearly two years of Israeli bombardment have killed over 65,000 people in Gaza, devastated infrastructure, displaced around 90% of the population, and created a severe humanitarian crisis. Experts say Gaza City is now facing full-blown famine.
In a statement on Sunday, the Israeli military claimed it had killed Majed Abu Selmiya, described as a Hamas sniper preparing for further attacks. No evidence was provided. The man’s brother, Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiya, director of Shifa Hospital, dismissed the claim as false, saying his brother — who suffered from multiple health conditions — was not involved with Hamas.
As the conflict deepens, Israel has ordered hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to evacuate Gaza City and head south to designated “humanitarian zones.” A temporary corridor has been opened to facilitate this movement, but many residents are too weak, financially strained, or simply unwilling to leave their homes again.
On the coastal road near Wadi Gaza, families were seen resting mid-journey, offering their children brief relief from the exhausting trek.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that mass displacement will only worsen the already catastrophic conditions in Gaza. They continue to press for a ceasefire to allow urgent aid deliveries.
Meanwhile, families of hostages still held by Hamas have also joined calls for an end to the war. They accuse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of endangering their loved ones by choosing continued military action over negotiation.