Israeli forces have intensified their assault on Gaza, killing at least 125 Palestinians — including 36 people in al-Mawasi, an area previously designated as a “safe zone.”
The invasion followed Israel’s announcement of an expanded military campaign aimed at defeating Hamas.
Mahmud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defence, confirmed that 22 people died in a predawn strike targeting tents sheltering displaced civilians in Al-Mawasi.
At least 100 others were wounded in the same attack.
“More than half of the martyrs were children,” Bassal said, describing the overnight offensive as a “series of violent Israeli air strikes” that hit several areas of the besieged territory.
Footage from AFP TV showed destroyed shelters and frantic rescue efforts, as survivors searched for loved ones.
Seven more deaths were reported in a separate strike on a house in Jabalia, northern Gaza, where Al-Awda Hospital also sustained damage.
Additional casualties occurred in Al-Zawayda and Khan Yunis, bringing the total death toll from Sunday’s strikes to at least 125.
The Israeli military has not issued an official statement regarding these specific incidents, but has previously claimed that its attacks are intended to achieve “all of the war’s objectives,” including dismantling Hamas.
International criticism mounted over the weekend as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate.
Since March 2, Israel has enforced a blockade severely restricting aid, prompting warnings from UN agencies and humaniytarian agencies about critical shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel that could lead to risk of famine.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking at an Arab League summit in Baghdad, expressed deep concern at the renewed violence. “I am alarmed by the escalating military attacks. We need a permanent ceasefire, now,” he said.
The summit concluded with a unified call for the international community to pressure Israel to end hostilities.
European leaders also voiced concern. Italy urged Israel to halt its airstrikes, while Germany said it was “deeply concerned.”
European Council President António Costa stated he was “shocked by the news from Gaza.”
