Israeli forces conducted over 200 airstrikes across Gaza in three days, escalating military operations in the Hamas-governed territory. The campaign targeted rocket launchers, weapons depots, and militant cells, according to Israel's military, which reported killing Ahmad Mansour, a fighter linked to Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel.
Operations extended to Rafah's Shabura district and the strategic Morag Corridor, where troops dismantled infrastructure and seized arms. In northern Gaza, airstrikes struck underground facilities as ground forces neutralized sniper positions.
Palestinian authorities reported at least eight deaths and dozens wounded in Monday's strikes. Tensions further intensified as Gaza's civil defense agency accused Israel of "summary executions" involving 15 rescue workers killed in March. Mohammed Al-Mughair, a civil defense official, stated to AFP that video evidence contradicted Israel's claims of accidental fire, calling it an attempt to "circumvent international law."
The UN documented victims from the Red Crescent, Gaza civil defense, and UNRWA, prompting condemnation from UN human rights chief Volker Turk. Israel's internal investigation acknowledged operational failures but denied intentional targeting, revising initial claims about militants among the deceased. The Red Crescent rejected the findings as "full of lies," with spokesperson Nebal Farsakh calling for accountability.
The escalation underscores deepening humanitarian concerns as combat persists across Gaza's urban centers, with international observers warning of compounding civilian risks.
