At least 32 Palestinians, mostly women and children, were killed on Sunday in a series of Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip, according to local health officials and hospital sources.
According to a UN report released on April 2, over 1,000 people have been killed in Gaza since March 18, when the fragile ceasefire agreement fell apart.
More than 100,000 people, largely from Rafah, have also been displaced as evacuation orders continue.
Multiple Areas Targeted
The latest round of air strikes targeted several areas across Gaza.
Overnight attacks in Khan Younis, in the south, hit a tent and a house, killing five men, five women, and five children, according to the hospital treating the victims.
In the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, four others were killed — including one child and three women, the Gaza Health Ministry reported.
Another strike in Gaza City hit civilians waiting outside a bakery, killing at least six people, including three children, according to Civil Defence teams operating under the Hamas-run government.
Rocket Fire From Gaza Sparks Israeli Response
Earlier in the day, about 10 projectiles were launched from the Gaza Strip — the largest barrage since fighting resumed.
According to Israeli officials, five were intercepted, and seven people were injured. One rocket reportedly struck Ashkelon, with debris falling in surrounding areas.
Hamas’ military wing claimed responsibility for the rocket fire.
Shortly after the barrage, evacuation orders were issued in parts of central Gaza, including Deir al-Balah.
The strikes come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.
This will be their second meeting since Trump’s return to office.
Netanyahu said he plans to update Trump on the war’s progress and discuss next steps, including a new 17% tariff imposed on Israel as part of Trump’s global trade policy.
The United States, alongside Egypt and Qatar, has been involved in ceasefire mediation efforts, but also expressed support for Israel’s renewed military campaign.
War Continues After October 2023 Hamas Attack
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters carried out a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians.
During the attack, 251 hostages were taken. Most have since been released, but 59 remain, with 24 believed to be alive.
Israel has said its goal is to defeat Hamas, ensure the release of hostages, and cut off all supplies to Gaza to increase pressure. The Israeli government has demanded that Hamas disarm and leave Gaza.
Hamas, for its part, has rejected those demands, stating it will only agree to release the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoner releases, a lasting ceasefire, and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The group has refused to disarm or leave the territory.
