Gaza, July 6 (V7N) – At least 78 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip between Saturday morning and evening, according to local hospital sources reported by Al Jazeera.

The latest wave of attacks adds to the mounting civilian death toll amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has entered its ninth month. Residential neighborhoods, refugee camps, and public infrastructure reportedly came under intense bombardment throughout the day, with multiple strikes concentrated in central and southern Gaza, including Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah.

Emergency responders, working under increasingly strained conditions due to fuel shortages and damaged roads, retrieved dozens of bodies from the rubble of destroyed homes and apartment buildings. Many of the victims, as confirmed by medical officials at Al-Aqsa and Nasser hospitals, were women and children.

Al Jazeera’s Gaza-based correspondents cited hospital workers saying that morgues are full and intensive care units are overwhelmed. Several hospitals continue to operate with minimal electricity and limited medical supplies due to the blockade and repeated attacks on healthcare facilities.

Israel’s military has said its operations are targeting Hamas infrastructure and fighters. However, the vast civilian casualties and widespread destruction have drawn continued international condemnation. Human rights groups have described many of the strikes as “disproportionate” and possibly in violation of international humanitarian law.

Since the start of the conflict in October 2023, over 38,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, with thousands more injured or missing under the debris. The humanitarian situation in the enclave remains dire, with more than 70% of Gaza’s population displaced and dependent on limited aid that faces frequent blockages.

Calls for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access have intensified, but diplomatic efforts, including recent mediation attempts by Qatar and Egypt, have so far failed to bring about a lasting truce.

As of now, there has been no official comment from the Israeli government regarding Saturday’s casualty figures.

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