Warplanes strike Gaza refugee camps as Israel rejects US push for a pause in fighting

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Israeli fighter jets have conducted airstrikes on two refugee camps in the Gaza Strip early on Sunday, leading to the death of at least 53 individuals and injuring many, according to local health authorities. Despite international requests for a cessation, including from the United States, Israel has indicated its intention to continue its operations against the Hamas leadership in Gaza. The United States, through Secretary of State Antony Blinken, proposed temporary humanitarian breaks in the conflict, but these were not heeded.

The campaign has persisted for almost a month, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting over 9,700 Palestinian fatalities, a figure expected to increase as Israeli forces move further into densely populated areas.

The Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza was one of the targets overnight, resulting in at least 40 deaths and 34 injuries, as per the Health Ministry’s reports. At a local hospital, a reporter from Big Big News witnessed the tragic aftermath, with eight children among the casualties, and a young girl in a state of shock from the event.

While Israel has been calling for civilians to evacuate to safer areas as they intensify their military efforts, particularly in the north, the refugee camp that was hit is situated within these zones.

In another incident, an airstrike demolished a residence in the Bureji refugee camp, killing at least 13 individuals, according to hospital staff. This camp, too, had previously been struck earlier in the week.

Israel’s rationale for the continued bombings across Gaza is to target Hamas, whom they accuse of using civilians as shields. However, this has attracted criticism due to the high civilian death toll.

Secretary Blinken’s discussions in the region included a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank, who has not governed Gaza since the Hamas takeover in 2007. Abbas has spoken of the Palestinian Authority taking control of Gaza only under a comprehensive political solution that would establish an independent state, encompassing the West Bank and east Jerusalem in addition to Gaza.

The conflict has escalated regional tensions, including on the border with Lebanon, where exchanges of fire with Hezbollah have occurred. The war has also exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with shortages of food, water, and fuel critical for hospitals and other essential services. Despite international appeals for a ceasefire and large-scale protests against the violence, the Israeli government has remained steadfast in its position.

The full extent of the casualties on both sides remains grim, with a significant number of children reported killed in Gaza. The Israeli military has also sustained losses. Calls for Netanyahu’s resignation have intensified within Israel, and despite controversial comments from government officials, no change in the offensive stance has been signaled.

For continued updates and the complete report, please visit Big Big News’ dedicated section on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

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