Israeli strikes kill at least 8 in Gaza, including 2 children

Israeli airstrikes in southern and central Gaza on Monday killed at least eight people, including two children, and wounded at least 20 others, according to health officials and emergency services. The strikes targeted areas in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, causing widespread damage and panic among civilians.

In Khan Younis, a strike hit a tent in the Al-Mawasi neighborhood after a warning call, killing a 23-year-old mother and her one-year-old daughter. The victims were taken to Nasser Hospital, where medical staff confirmed their identities. The incident highlights the ongoing danger faced by displaced families living in makeshift shelters.

The Israeli military stated that the strikes were aimed at militant targets, but civilian casualties continue to draw international condemnation. Human rights organizations have called for an independent investigation into the attacks, emphasizing the need to protect civilians under international law.

The health system in Gaza is under severe strain, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of wounded. Shortages of medical supplies, fuel, and beds are hampering rescue efforts. The United Nations has warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis if the violence continues.

Efforts to broker a ceasefire have so far failed, with both sides accusing each other of violations. The latest deaths add to the mounting toll of the conflict, which has already claimed thousands of lives. International mediators are urging restraint, but a lasting peace remains elusive.