People search for survivors in a crater at the site of an Israeli strike at a UNWRA school housing displaced Palestinians at the Bureij camp for refugees in the central Gaza Strip on May 6, 2025. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP)
17 killed in Israel strikes, says Gaza civil defence
GAZA CITY: Gaza’s civil defense agency said at least 17 people were killed Thursday in Israeli strikes as the military intensified its bombardment of Gaza City.
The dead included six civilians who had been waiting for humanitarian aid, said civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal.
“The Israeli occupation forces are intensifying their raids in the Zeitun area” of Gaza City, he said.
The Israeli military has yet to comment.
“For the fourth consecutive day, the area has been subject to a military operation, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries,” said Bassal.
“Since dawn today, we have received 28 calls from families and residents of this neighborhood, some of whose children have been killed.
“Many people cannot leave these areas due to artillery fire,” the spokesperson added.
Maram Kashko, a resident of Zeitun, said the strikes had increased over the past four days.
“My nephew, his wife and their children were killed in a bombardment,” he told AFP.
An AFP videographer said their bodies were taken to Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City and buried shortly afterwards at the Sayyid Hashim cemetery.
READ ALSO:
On Wednesday, the head of the Israeli military said he had approved a new plan for operations in the Gaza Strip aimed at freeing all hostages and defeating Hamas.
The military intends to take control of Gaza City and neighboring refugee camps, some of the most densely populated areas in the Palestinian territory, which has been devastated by more than 22 months of war.
Over the past three days, Zeitun has been the target of repeated air strikes, according to multiple sources, including the military.
Adding to the dire humanitarian situation, Gaza has been experiencing a spell of extreme heat, which is particularly difficult for displaced residents living in tents and makeshift shelters.
“The heat is unbearable. We live in a nylon tent — it’s like an oven. We cannot stay inside during the day, there is no ventilation,” said Umm Khaled Abu Jazar, 40, displaced in the Al-Mawasi camp.
“My children have developed skin rashes. Even the water we drink is hot from the sun. There is nothing to cool us down. The heat only adds to our daily suffering,” the mother of five told AFP.
ARAB NEWS
Robert Moreno has begun his interim tenure as South Korea's coach with a denial of…
Grand Chief Imam calls for professional communication structure for Rabitoh 1964 OYO, September 14, 2026…
Citing economic growth and safe public festivals, Reno Omokri urges the nation to tell its…
FBI investigated people linked to Tinubu, not President — Omokri Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno…
Desmond Elliot Apologises to Gbajabiamila, Seeks Return to APC Former Lagos State House of Assembly…
Calls for greater transparency in the distribution of federal employment opportunities have intensified, with APC…