Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill 12 as Tensions Escalate in Region
Israeli airstrikes overnight in the Gaza Strip left 12 people dead, according to Palestinian medical officials on Sunday. Meanwhile, Israeli police arrested three suspects after flares were fired at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence in Caesarea.
Gaza Casualties Mount
Israeli strikes targeted Nuseirat and Bureij refugee camps in central Gaza, claiming ten lives, while two more fatalities were reported on the main north-south highway. Medical staff at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah confirmed receiving the victims’ bodies.
The death toll in Gaza has risen to approximately 43,800, according to the Health Ministry, with women and children comprising the majority. Additionally, 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population has been displaced due to relentless bombardments and ground operations.
The conflict began after Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and led to 250 hostages being abducted.
Netanyahu’s Residence Targeted
In Caesarea, two flares were fired at Netanyahu’s residence. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the Prime Minister and his family were not present. Authorities have linked the attack to domestic political critics, with President Isaac Herzog condemning the incident and warning against escalating public violence.
Netanyahu faces mounting criticism over his handling of the hostage crisis and alleged security failures during Hamas’ assault.
Judiciary Overhaul Resurfaces
Justice Minister Yariv Levin seized on the flare attack to renew his push for controversial judicial reforms, asserting they are necessary for restoring law and order. These proposals had previously sparked mass protests before the war.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid condemned both the attack on Netanyahu’s residence and Levin’s call for judicial changes, accusing the government of heightening domestic tensions.
Lebanon: Israeli Airstrikes Intensify
In southern Beirut, Israeli warplanes struck the Dahiyeh suburb, a Hezbollah stronghold, after issuing evacuation warnings. Church bells reportedly rang to alert residents, though no casualties were immediately reported.
Israeli forces have urged residents of over a dozen southern Lebanese villages to evacuate as ground troops advance. Lebanese officials are reportedly considering a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal.
The conflict in Lebanon has killed over 3,400 people and displaced 1.2 million. On the Israeli side, Hezbollah’s attacks have resulted in 76 deaths and displaced 60,000 residents.
Regional Turmoil Deepens
As hostilities escalate in Gaza, Israel, and Lebanon, global concern grows over the potential for further escalation. Despite repeated calls for ceasefires, neither side appears ready to relent, leaving millions of civilians in the crossfire and intensifying the urgent need for a resolution.