Israeli Attacks Kill Dozens in Gaza, Health Ministry Says

**Dozens Killed in Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza as Conflict Escalates, Health Ministry Says**

**[Gaza, 19 April]** – At least dozens of Palestinians have been slain by Israeli attacks in Gaza, the Hamas-held Health Ministry stated, amid increased violence in Israel-Hamas war. The recent assaults further widened the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip enclave under blockade, as hospitals are pushed to their limits, homes flattened to rubble, and global calls for a ceasefire mounting.

# **Latest Casualty Figures and Israeli Strikes**

The Gaza Ministry of Health announced that at least 100 people died during the last 24 hours alone, increasing the Palestinian casualty figure since the start of war to more than [50,000]. Decades more were wounded, many victims being found buried under the rubble of homes destroyed.

Among the dead were women and children, the ministry stated, although exact counts remain impossible to verify separately. One of the deadliest attacks struck a residential apartment building in [name of location if available], reducing an entire home to rubble. Gruesome photos taken at the scene showed first-responders desperately digging through debris in the hopes of recovering any survivors.

The Israeli military acknowledged the attacks, reporting that they had struck at Hamas militants and facilities, including arms depots and tunnel networks. "Hamas deliberately locates itself amidst civilian populations, risking innocent lives," an IDF official said. Palestinian officials and human rights groups, however, attribute indiscriminate bombing to Israel and violations of international laws of war.

## **International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts**

The rising civilian casualty has been a cause of global outrage. United Nations Secretary-General condemned the attacks, saying Gaza is becoming a "graveyard for children." The UN Human Rights Office said it is investigating possible war crimes based on the high civilian casualty rate.

The U.S. reiterated support for Israel's right to defend itself but urged greater efforts to rescue civilians. "Too many Palestinians have died," said a White House spokesman, while accusing Hamas of being guilty of prolonging the war.

Meanwhile, Egypt and Qatar are brokering ceasefire talks, but talks have stalled on key demands, including the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

### Collapsing Healthcare System and Humanitarian Disaster

Hospitals in Gaza, which were already stretched by months of war, teeter on collapse. Doctors are saying they lack essential anesthetics, antibiotics, and fuel for generators. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported outbreaks of disease like cholera and acute malnutrition could kill more people than the bombing if they're not allowed into Gaza with aid.

"The Gaza health system is barely working," said a WHO official. "Patients are dying from preventable conditions because they don't get medical treatment."

The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) estimated over 90% of Gaza's population displaced, with most sheltering in overcrowded tents with little access to food or clean water. Conditions of famine-like are spreading, particularly in the north of Gaza, where Israeli closures have held back sufficient aid deliveries.

#### **Background: How Did We Get Here?**

The latest war began on October 7 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting more than 200. Israel responded with a massive military campaign, vowing to destroy Hamas.

Ever since, Israeli attacks and ground campaigns have decimated Gaza, displacing nearly 2 million and leaving important infrastructure in ruins. Under mounting international pressure, Israel has signaled it plans to go ahead with military action, even an attack in Rafah, where over a million displaced Palestinians reside.

##### **What Comes Next?

With no cessation in sight of the ceasefire, the war is most likely to persist, further worsening the conditions for civilians. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is considering issuing arrest warrants against commanders on either side, while global protests demanding an end to the violence continue.

For now, Gaza's population finds itself trapped in a cycle of destruction with nowhere to flee and little hope of an immediate end. The world holds its breath as it asks: How many more will be slain before the killing stops?