Gaza endures deadly onslaught, 32 lives lost as conflict ignites.
At least 32 Palestinians have perished in a ferocious wave of Israeli air strikes across Gaza. Local authorities report children and women among the dead. The relentless assault struck Khan Younis, where helicopter gunships targeted a shelter housing displaced families.
This surge is seen as the deadliest since the ceasefire's second phase, pushed through by US President Trump last October, began earlier this month. The Israeli military claims the attacks were in retaliation for Hamas breaching the agreement on Friday. Both sides have accused each other of breaking the truce since it took effect last year.
The Israel Defense Forces state they targeted "underground terror infrastructure" in Rafah, where Israeli troops are stationed under the October deal. They claimed strikes took down "four commanders and additional terrorists," along with weapons facilities, command posts, and Hamas launch sites in central Gaza.
Hamas blasted the strikes, calling for US intervention against these "ongoing violations," which they claim showcase Israel's "brutal war of genocide against the strip." Reports confirm that seven victims were from one family in Khan Younis. Strikes demolished homes, tents, and even a police station.
Shifa hospital in Gaza City saw five fatalities, including three children and two women, after a residential area was bombarded. Heartbroken Samer al-Atbash, uncle to the three young victims, demanded, "What did those children do?" as scenes of devastation unfolded.
Images reveal bodies extracted from rubble, buildings turned to ruins. This violence coincides with the reopening of Rafah Crossing on Sunday, following Israel's recovery of their last hostage. Egypt condemned the strikes, urging restraint. Qatar, involved in ceasefire negotiations, slammed the "repeated Israeli violations."
Phase two of the ceasefire began in January, introduced by US envoy Steve Witkoff. It envisions a technocratic Palestinian government in Gaza, coupled with territory demilitarization and Hamas disarmament. The conflict traces back to Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023, claiming 1,200 lives.
Israel’s ongoing campaign has reportedly killed over 71,660, contested but acknowledged by a senior military source. The figures from the Hamas-run health ministry are accepted by the UN and others. Despite restrictions, international media relies on these statistics due to Israel's ban on independent reporting from Gaza.
Key Takeaways
At least 32 Palestinians killed in Gaza strikes.
Strikes condemned by Egypt and Qatar.
Over 71,660 reported killed in ongoing war.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Source 2026-01-31
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