More than 40 Palestinians killed as Israel continues to pound Gaza for 13th day

By Ahmed Gouda

GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) – More than 40 Palestinians were killed early Thursday as Israeli warplanes continued to hit the Gaza Strip for a 13th consecutive day, according to witnesses and medical sources.

Nine people were killed, including seven children, when fighter jets struck a house in Khan Younis south of Gaza City, state news agency Wafa reported.

Several people reportedly remain trapped under the rubble.

More than 30 Palestinians were also killed and dozens injured in Israeli airstrikes in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, witnesses said.

A Palestinian baby lost his life and several people were injured in an airstrike in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, according to witnesses.

A child was also killed in an Israeli air raid west of Khan Younis, Palestinian medical sources said.

Israeli warplanes also struck a house in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in Rafah amid reports of fatalities.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltration into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”

At least 3,478 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.​​​​​​​