Over 50 Killed in Overnight Israeli Airstrikes on Southern Gaza

KHAN YOUNIS, GAZA STRIP — Israeli airstrikes pounded southern Gaza overnight, killing at least 54 people in Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital. The strikes continued into a second night of intense bombardment across the besieged territory.

The attack comes amid worsening conditions in Gaza, where a months-long blockade has pushed nearly half a million Palestinians toward starvation. Meanwhile, a key cancer treatment hospital is now out of service.

Bodies Pulled from Rubble

Witnesses in Khan Younis reported at least 10 separate strikes overnight. An Associated Press cameraman saw dozens of bodies at the local morgue.

Among the dead was journalist Hasan Samour of Al Araby TV. The network confirmed that he and 11 family members were killed in a single strike.

Nasser Hospital reported that many bodies were hard to identify due to severe injuries. The hospital also received scores of wounded, including children.

“I gave them dinner and put them to sleep as usual,” said Safaa Al-Najjar, whose two youngest children — 1½-year-old Motaz and 1½-month-old Moaz — died in the strikes. “Suddenly, the world went upside down. What is their fault?”

Her surviving five children were injured. Her husband is now in intensive care.

Netanyahu: “We Will Escalate”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged earlier this week to intensify operations. His goal: to eliminate Hamas.

“We are days away from entering Gaza with great strength to complete the mission,” Netanyahu’s office said Tuesday.

Human Rights Watch responded sharply. It warned Israel’s plan to seize and depopulate Gaza “inches closer to extermination.”

Death Toll Rises Sharply

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 82 deaths from Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours, bringing the total Palestinian death toll to 53,010. More than 119,998 others are injured.

The war began after Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 Israelis in an Oct. 7, 2023 raid. Israel responded with full-scale bombardment and a ground campaign.

As of Thursday, Hamas holds 58 hostages. Israel believes only 23 may still be alive.

Cancer Hospital Shut Down

Strikes have also damaged Gaza’s European Hospital in Khan Younis — the only facility left offering cancer treatment.

On Tuesday, two Israeli airstrikes targeted the hospital. Israel claimed a Hamas command center lay beneath it. Six people died.

“We evacuated 200 patients,” said Dr. Imad al-Hout, the hospital’s director. “The final 90 were moved out Wednesday morning. Now, we’re trying to assess the damage.”

Aid Blockade and Starvation Threat

Israel has blocked all humanitarian aid into Gaza since March 2. Food and medicine are scarce. The UN and food security agencies warn famine is imminent.

On Thursday, desperate residents lined up at a charity kitchen in Beit Lahia. Many left empty-handed.

“I have a 3-year-old who’s crying all day because he wants to eat,” said Um Abed, clutching her empty pot. “We want them to stop the war and allow food in.”

Despite the conditions, Israeli spokesman David Mencer claimed there was “no food shortage” and accused Hamas of withholding supplies.

Calls for Action Grow

Human Rights Watch urged international signatories of the Genocide Convention to act. It accused Israel of “systematic destruction” and a campaign of displacement.

Israel has strongly denied any claims of genocide.

Both sides continue to face pressure — Israel to halt its offensive and Hamas to release the remaining hostages.