Israeli airstrikes on residential areas in Gaza killed at least 35 Palestinians on Wednesday, with over 50 injured and more than 80 still missing under the rubble, as humanitarian conditions in the enclave worsen.
Israeli forces carried out intensive airstrikes on multiple residential buildings across Gaza on April 9, killing 35 people, including women and children, and injuring at least 55 others. Local health officials say many of the injured could not receive proper medical treatment due to severe shortages of surgical equipment and medical supplies.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, but authorities report that over 80 individuals remain trapped under debris. The lack of heavy machinery has left emergency teams struggling to reach survivors, raising fears that the death toll could rise significantly.
According to Al Jazeera, one of the hardest-hit areas was Gaza City’s Shuja’iyya neighborhood, where entire residential blocks were flattened.
The assault comes amid Israel’s continued military campaign in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, which Israel claims killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 250 others. The Israeli military has since pledged to intensify operations until all hostages are rescued and Hamas is dismantled.
Meanwhile, Gaza faces a growing water crisis. Israel has reportedly cut off 70% of the enclave’s water supply. Al Jazeera reports that Israeli forces have disrupted pipelines operated by Mekorot, the primary water supplier to Gaza. The disruption has severely impacted drinking water availability across the region.
Husni Mehanna, spokesperson for Gaza Municipality, stated that the main water pipeline in Shuja’iyya has been rendered inoperable, crippling the entire sub-distribution network. In desperation, residents are scrambling to access whatever little water is available.
Liberty News’ international correspondent reports that the escalating humanitarian crisis adds to the mounting civilian toll in Gaza, as international calls for a ceasefire and aid access continue to be ignored.
