Gaza civil defense unit says overnight Israeli strikes destroyed hundreds of buildings

By Qais Omar Darwesh Omar and Mustafa M. M. Haboush

GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) - The civil defense unit in the Gaza Strip on Saturday said ramped up Israeli attacks overnight destroyed hundreds of buildings in the besieged enclave, which is already under heavy bombardment for three weeks.

In a statement, the civil defense forces said the Israeli strikes "completely destroyed hundreds of buildings throughout the Gaza Strip."

The Israeli army on Friday night is said to have carried out the heaviest strikes since the start of the conflict from land, sea and air on all areas of the Gaza Strip amid a complete blackout of telecommunications and internet networks.

The bombardment continues amid a worsening humanitarian situation, and the targets included government buildings, civilian homes, and empty field, according to Anadolu correspondents on the ground.

Gaza has been under relentless airstrikes since the surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7.

At least 7,326 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli attacks. Some 70% of the Palestinian deaths are women and children, according to official figures.

The death toll in Israel stands at more than 1,400.

Gaza's 2.3 million residents are grappling with shortages of food, water, and medicine due to Israel’s massive air bombardment and total blockade of the enclave.

The UN General Assembly called for an immediate humanitarian truce, with 120 states voting for a resolution put forward by Jordan. Israel, however, rejected it.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi