Israeli Airstrikes Kill 13 Palestinians in Gaza

GAZA CITY — Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 13 Palestinians and wounded more than 35 others on Saturday, marking a sharp escalation in violence in the territory.

The attacks began in the early morning hours and continued through the day, striking multiple locations including residential areas in Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Rafah. Emergency services rushed to the scenes as smoke rose from buildings and debris scattered across streets. Local hospitals reported being overwhelmed by the influx of casualties, with medical staff working to treat the wounded amid limited resources.

Israeli military officials have not yet commented on the specific targets or the rationale behind the intensified aerial campaign. The strikes come amid ongoing tensions in the region, though no immediate trigger for the Saturday attacks has been identified. Palestinian health authorities in Gaza confirmed the death toll and injury count, stating that rescue teams were still searching through rubble for survivors.

Witnesses described hearing a series of explosions that shook neighborhoods and caused panic among residents. Some families reported losing relatives in the bombardment, while others fled their homes seeking shelter. The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains precarious, with access to essential services and medical care already strained.

International observers have called for restraint and an immediate de-escalation of hostilities. The United Nations expressed concern over the civilian casualties and urged all parties to protect non-combatants. Regional diplomats are working behind the scenes to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.

As of Saturday afternoon, the full extent of the damage and the number of missing persons remained unclear. Rescue operations were ongoing in several areas, with emergency crews digging through collapsed structures. The Israeli military has not issued a statement regarding the strikes, leaving questions about the objectives and future actions unanswered.

The violence adds to a growing list of incidents in the region, raising fears of a broader conflict. Families of the victims are awaiting news of their loved ones, while communities brace for potential further attacks. The situation remains fluid, with developments expected as the day progresses.