By Fawaz Adebisi
Israeli military forces have initiated a significant series of aerial strikes in Gaza, resulting in a reported 232 casualties among Palestinian residents, as confirmed by Palestinian officials.
According to an official from the Palestinian health ministry, the toll of the strikes stands at 232 fatalities since the commencement of Israeli airstrikes earlier today.
Additionally, a staggering 1,790 individuals have sustained injuries, as reported by the ministry.
It is important to note that the ministry has not provided specific details regarding the distribution of casualties or whether the figures encompass Hamas militants or civilians within Gaza.
The ministry has issued a statement underscoring the relentless efforts of medical teams to address the numerous severe and critical cases in operation rooms and intensive care units.
Furthermore, they have urgently called upon humanitarian and relief organizations to promptly assist in meeting the emergency requirements of Gaza Strip hospitals.
The escalation in hostilities follows an unprecedented incursion by Palestinian militants into Israeli territory on Saturday, which resulted in the tragic loss of over 100 Israeli lives, catching Israel off guard.
As part of Israel’s retaliatory measures, its warplanes targeted several structures in the heart of Gaza City, including the Palestine Tower, an 11-storey building housing Hamas radio stations on its rooftop and boasting a cinema.
The Israel Defense Forces have confirmed ongoing engagements in at least six locations. Some Israeli residents have reported attempts by militants to breach their homes, while Hamas claims to have captured multiple Israeli soldiers near the border.
This tragic escalation in conflict coincides with the 50th anniversary of the 1973 War, during which Arab states launched a surprise attack on Israel on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, as reported by CNN.
