On Sunday morning, Palestinian sources reported Israeli airstrikes targeting several areas designated as safe havens for civilians displaced during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. These strikes occurred just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that they will continue with military campaign until Hamas is defeated.
Witnesses reported chaotic scenes in Al-Mawasi and other southern regions where thousands of displaced Gazans had sought shelter, believing these areas to be protected from military actions. Emergency responders reported casualties; their exact numbers have yet to be ascertained.
“These areas were thought of as safe havens where people fled after experiencing violence in the north,” noted one local resident. However, now no place is safe anymore.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that strikes had taken place in southern Gaza, targeting Hamas command centers and weapons storage sites located within civilian zones. Prior warnings had been given and civilians advised to evacuate as quickly as possible.
However, humanitarian organizations strongly denounced these strikes, noting that civilians had nowhere else to turn and that repeated displacements only added fuel to an already dire humanitarian catastrophe.
Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected international calls for a ceasefire during a televised press conference held Sunday, emphatically declaring that Israel will continue its military campaign until Hamas dismantles their military and governance capabilities.
Netanyahu stated, “This war will not end until total victory has been attained; there can be no room for negotiation with an organization that threatens our very existence.”
His comments came amid intensifying protests within Israel, where families of hostages held in Gaza as well as peace advocates have called upon their government to prioritize finding an agreeable resolution through negotiation.
International pressure is also mounting, with several world leaders warning that further civilian deaths could spark regional conflict escalation and irreparable humanitarian damage.
As Israel strikes against Gaza remain ongoing and infrastructure collapses under pressure, aid agencies have reiterated urgent appeals for a ceasefire and protection of civilians.
As both parties show no indications of backing down, the conflict escalates into another explosive and hazardous phase.