At Least 33 Dead After Israeli Airstrikes In Gaza

Health officials in the Gaza Strip have reported that at least 33 people have been killed by Israeli airstrikes, with another 50 injured, the deadliest single attack since fighting broke out between in the region a week ago.

Dozens remain trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings as rescuers search through what remains of the al-Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City. Photographs shared on social media show damage caused by the airstrikes blocking the road leading to the largest hospital in Gaza.

The airstrikes come as Israel is under mounting international pressure to negotiate a ceasefire. Efforts to agree a temporary ceasefire have so far failed. The UN security council is due to hold an emergency meeting later today to discuss its response, whilst European Union foreign ministers have arranged a videoconference for Tuesday to discuss the escalating situation.

One of the major targets of this morning’s airstrikes was Yehya al-Sinwar, the most senior Hamas official in Gaza, who has led both the group’s political and military wings since 2017. Reports state that al-Sinwar’s house was hit, but it is believed he was already in hiding prior to the strike.

The latest outbreak of violence is the worst the region has seen in year, with 188 Palestinians and 10 Israelis killed so far. According to officials 55 of the Palestinian victims have been children.