At least 38 Palestinians were killed within 30 minutes as Israeli air strikes pounded several parts of Gaza overnight, including a school and refugee camps, local medics told the BBC.
According to the Hamas-run civil defence agency, the strikes hit Gaza City, the Nuseirat refugee camp, and Deir al-Balah in the south. They described the attacks as sudden and intense, leaving rescue workers struggling to recover bodies from the rubble.
The fresh wave of violence has sparked strong reactions from world leaders.
In a joint statement, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada—Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Emmanuel Macron, and Prime Minister Mark Carney—called on Israel to stop its “renewed military offensive” and allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
“If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response,” the leaders said.
While they condemned Hamas for the October 7 attack and demanded the release of hostages, the statement also criticised Israel’s ongoing military actions.
“We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate,” they added.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the country’s actions and accused the leaders of rewarding terrorism.
“By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed… the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7,” he said.
Netanyahu insisted that the war could end immediately if Hamas agrees to specific conditions.
“The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled, and Gaza is demilitarised,” he said. “No nation can be expected to accept anything less, and Israel certainly won’t.”
He added, “This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.”
Reports say around 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with as many as 23 believed to still be alive.
Smoke was seen rising from Khan Younis following the latest strikes, further deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
