Tragic Night in Gaza: Many Lives Lost in Israeli Strike

Early Sunday morning, Gaza's health ministry reported a grim toll: at least 87 people died from an Israeli airstrike. Hitting Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, the strike leveled several multi-story buildings. So far, 27 bodies have been retrieved, with 60 more believed to be under rubble. Over 40 people are badly hurt, including critical cases. Videos show children among the dead, and heartbroken families waiting at the hospital. Rescuers had been searching through piles of rubble overnight, and daylight revealed that two or three large apartment buildings were flattened. Local witnesses shared grim accounts. One man appealed to the international community, pleading for an end to the fighting. "We're civilians. We have nothing to do with this. End the war, " he said. Another woman tearfully recalled being trapped under rubble with a friend who held onto her legs. "We were talking, and suddenly a big concrete piece hit us, " she said. The woman lamented that the Israeli forces directed them to Beit Lahia before striking.Israel recently stepped up ground operations in the north, targeting Hamas regrouping areas. Israel's war extends beyond Gaza, as they also attacked a Hezbollah intelligence hub in southern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly acts with precision, denying higher casualty counts. Staff at Kamal Adwan Hospital struggle under severe shortages, treating the injured and facing severe risks. Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepens as relentless strikes continue, causing UN representatives to express shock and horror. Despite the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar last week, conflicts show no signs of stopping. The UN's Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland called for civilian protection amid growing violence. More than 42, 000 casualties have been reported since October 7.