Dozens of Bodies Found in Gaza City as Heavy Fighting Continues

The aftermath of heavy fighting in Gaza City has left a devastating toll as Hamas-run Gaza’s civil defence agency discovered around 60 bodies after Israeli troops withdrew from parts of the city. The grim discovery came as international mediators continue to work towards a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict that has now entered its 10th month.

The bodies were found in the Tal al-Hawa and Al-Sinaa districts, where Israeli forces had recently engaged in intense fighting with Hamas militants. The agency reported that there are still missing individuals trapped under the rubble of destroyed homes, making it challenging for rescue crews to reach them.

Gaza’s health ministry had previously reported 32 deaths overnight, with a majority of them being children and women. The Israeli military stated that they were engaged in combat in the Rafah area of the south, where they had eliminated numerous terrorists through close-quarters combat and aerial strikes.

The main battleground in recent days has been Gaza City, particularly the eastern district of Shujaiya, which has been devastated by two weeks of fighting. The Israeli army had urged residents to evacuate the area, citing it as a dangerous combat zone.

The International Committee of the Red Cross highlighted the dire situation in Gaza City, with entire families trapped and in desperate need of security. The ICRC emphasized that the needs in the region exceed their capacity to respond effectively.

Efforts to reach a truce and secure the release of hostages have been ongoing through indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt. Despite progress being made, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that any deal must align with Israel’s war aims and security concerns.

The conflict, which began with Hamas’s attack on southern Israel, has resulted in a significant loss of life and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The World Health Organization has raised concerns about the limited access to essential supplies in the region, exacerbating the already dire situation.

As the conflict continues to escalate, the need for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza remains critical. The international community, including the UN and donor governments, must step up efforts to address the escalating crisis and bring an end to the violence in Gaza City.