LOC11:20
08:20 GMT
GAZA, Sept 16 (KUNA) -- Medical sources said on Tuesday that 38 Palestinians were killed in Israeli occupation forces' gunfire and shelling targeting various areas across the Gaza Strip since early morning.
According to the Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA), 23 bodies were transferred to Al-Shifa Hospital, 12 to Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital, and three to Al-Aqsa Hospital.
Palestinian local sources said Israeli warplanes had launched heavy airstrikes on Gaza City amid reports by Israeli media suggesting the start of a ground operation to retake the remaining parts of the city.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the escalation, warning that the invasion puts the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians at risk of death and displacement.
In a statement, the ministry condemned the assault as a continuation of targeting civilians and an attempt to turn Gaza into a "mass grave" and uninhabitable land, forcing nearly one million Palestinians into displacement.
It called for urgent international intervention to stop the aggression, ensure the protection of civilians, secure the release of hostages and detainees, and allow the sustained entry of humanitarian aid in accordance with the New York Declaration on Gaza.
Israeli occupation military radio quoted a spokesman confirming the destruction of Hamas infrastructure in Gaza City, marking the first official acknowledgment of a ground operation. The army estimated that over 40 percent of Gaza City's population has fled south.
Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant said in a statement that the army is striking Hamas targets "with an iron fist," stressing that forces will not withdraw until their mission is complete.
Gaza has been under a deadly Israeli assault involving intense bombardment, blockade, and destruction of vital infrastructure for nearly two years.
According to the latest figures from local health authorities, the death toll since October 7, 2023, has reached 64,905 with 164,926 wounded. (end)
tma.nq.seo