Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza

Gaza, Sep 25: Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Wednesday killed more than 80 Palestinians, marking one of the deadliest tolls in recent weeks, according to BBC reports. Hospitals in Gaza City said most victims were in densely populated neighbourhoods housing displaced families, where tents and makeshift shelters offered little protection. First responders reported devastation near Firas market in the Daraj district, with at least 20 women and children among the dead.

Dozens more perished in central Gaza, including at least 12 in Nuseirat refugee camp and a family of four in Deir al-Balah. Medics said bodies also arrived from southern Gaza, where Israeli gunfire reportedly targeted people queuing for aid.

The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted Hamas fighters, asserting that precision munitions were used and accusing the group of embedding itself among civilians. Gaza health officials and the UN human rights office, however, report that hundreds of civilians have died in recent months while seeking food and supplies.

Meanwhile, violence extended into Israel when a Houthi drone struck the southern city of Eilat, wounding 22 people. The Iran-backed rebels claimed responsibility, stating the attack was in support of Palestinians. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that “anyone who harms Israel will be harmed sevenfold.”

Amid the conflict, US officials promoted the “Trump 21-point plan for peace” at the UN General Assembly. Lead negotiator Steve Witkoff said the proposal has been shared with Arab leaders and expressed hope for a breakthrough in the coming days. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi welcomed the outline as a potential foundation for talks.

The ongoing war follows the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken. Israel’s military response has since claimed over 65,000 Palestinian lives, with women and children accounting for roughly half, according to Gaza’s health ministry.