Gaza Death Toll Climbs: Over 90 Killed in 48 Hours of Israeli Strikes

Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of 92 Palestinians in Gaza over the last two days, as reported by the territory’s Ministry of Health.

The assaults, which occurred between April 17 and 19, have also left at least 219 individuals injured and hospitalized, according to a statement released by the ministry on Saturday. Additionally, many others remain trapped beneath debris or in locations inaccessible to rescuers. This increase in violence coincides with Israel’s ongoing six-week blockade on aid and its insistence that Hamas disarm prior to any potential ceasefire. Hamas has categorically rejected this demand, asserting that a permanent ceasefire must be included in any agreement.

Among the casualties are at least 15 children who were struck during an overnight airstrike on tents in Khan Younis. A separate attack in Rafah resulted in the deaths of a mother and her daughter, along with two others, as confirmed by the European Hospital where their remains were taken.

Tareq Abu Azzoum of Al Jazeera, reporting from central Gaza, stated, “For the vast majority of civilians, nighttime is the time of horror and unrelenting pain. Nobody is safe in their homes, in makeshift tents, or in displacement camps.” 

Following the resumption of its military operations on March 18 after a brief ceasefire, Israel has committed to escalating its 18-month campaign against Gaza and establishing extensive “security zones” within the territory.

Since March 2, Israel has also prohibited the entry of food, fuel, and humanitarian aid into the enclave, in defiance of a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) mandating that it allow humanitarian access.

Aid organizations are warning that food supplies are dwindling. Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam’s policy head, stated, “Children are consuming less than one meal a day and are struggling to find their next meal. Malnutrition and pockets of famine are undoubtedly occurring in Gaza.”

Earlier this week, Hamas declined an Israeli proposal that called for a 45-day ceasefire contingent upon the release of 10 live captives and the disarmament of the Palestinian group.

Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior official of Hamas, stated, “The demand for Hamas to disarm is unacceptable to even consider. This is not merely a red line; it represents countless red lines.”

Hamas has proposed to release all remaining captives—estimated to be around 58, although some are deceased—in exchange for a permanent cessation of hostilities and the complete withdrawal of the Israeli military.

According to the Health Ministry, the death toll in Gaza has now reached 51,065, with 116,505 individuals injured.

Abu Azzoum remarked, “The psychological impact on the city is evident in the expressions of the people here; they appear extremely fatigued and traumatized. They are contemplating the bleak future that lies ahead.”