Israel Strikes Kill 14 In Gaza As Evacuations Begin Amid Rising Tensions

At least 14 Palestinians were killed in Israeli military air strikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, medics reported, with most casualties in the northern town of Beit Lahiya. The Israeli air force’s bombardment also left others dead in Gaza City and Jabalia, the latter being the largest of Gaza’s eight historic refugee camps.

Medics confirmed that eight individuals were killed in Beit Lahiya, while four others died in Gaza City. Two additional deaths were reported later in Jabalia following an Israeli airstrike.

The Israeli military has been operating in northern Gaza, particularly in Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Jabalia, since October, targeting militants in the area. Hundreds of militants have reportedly been killed in these operations. Meanwhile, Palestinian groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim to have killed several Israeli soldiers in ambushes.

Israel’s military actions are drawing accusations of attempts to forcefully displace civilians from northern Gaza in an effort to create a buffer zone. The army, however, denies these claims, stating that it is working to prevent Hamas from reestablishing a foothold in the region.

The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service reported significant setbacks in its operations due to the ongoing airstrikes, fuel shortages, and the targeting of its teams by Israeli forces. The service has been halted for nearly four weeks in the affected areas, and at least 88 of its members have been killed.

In addition to the deadly air strikes, the Israeli army issued evacuation orders on Tuesday for the northern districts of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Citing rocket fire by militants, the army instructed residents to move to designated humanitarian zones. However, officials from Palestine and the United Nations warn that no safe areas remain in Gaza as the humanitarian crisis deepens.

Israel’s ongoing military campaign, which began following the October 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israeli communities, has claimed over 44,400 Palestinian lives, left countless others injured, and caused massive destruction across the region.