Escalating Strikes: Gaza Caught in Crossfire

Israeli forces intensified their bombing campaign in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 people, according to Palestinian medics. As Israel braces for potential wider conflict with Hamas-led militants, the situation has claimed thousands of lives and remains highly volatile. Regional tensions risk spiralling into a broader conflict.

Israeli forces intensified their bombing campaign across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 people, according to Palestinian medics. This escalation occurs as Israel braces for potential wider conflict with Hamas-led militants, raising concerns of a broader regional war.

Airstrikes hit central Gaza's Al-Bureij camp, killing 15, and the nearby Al-Nuseirat camp, resulting in four fatalities, medics reported. Bombings also targeted a house in Gaza City, causing five deaths, and another in Khan Younis, killing one person. The armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad responded by firing rockets and mortar bombs at Israeli forces.

Since the Gaza war began on October 7 last year, at least 39,699 Palestinians have been killed, including 22 in the past 24 hours, with 91,722 injuries reported, according to Gaza's health ministry. Israel has been preparing for possible retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah following recent high-profile assassinations.

(With inputs from agencies.)