TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)** — Early Sunday, Israeli airstrikes killed 18 people in Gaza, including four Palestinians in a tent camp situated within a hospital complex. In Tel Aviv, a stabbing attack by a Palestinian militant resulted in two fatalities—a woman in her 70s and an 80-year-old man—while two others were injured.
The escalation follows nearly 10 months of conflict in Gaza and recent high-profile killings, including a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas' top political leader in Iran. These events have intensified regional tensions, with Iran and its allies threatening retaliation and raising concerns of a broader conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as a “multi-front war,” asserting that Israel is prepared for any scenario in both defense and offense.
In a bid to de-escalate the situation, Jordan’s foreign minister is making an unprecedented visit to Iran as the U.S. and its Arab allies work to prevent further conflict. Hamas has reportedly begun discussions to select a new leader.
The stabbing attack in Tel Aviv was carried out by a Palestinian militant who was subsequently "neutralized," according to the police. In Gaza, an Israeli strike targeted a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, killing four people and injuring others. The hospital in Deir al-Balah is a key medical facility for central Gaza, with many others inoperable. Another strike near Deir al-Balah claimed the lives of a girl and her parents. Additional strikes in northern Gaza and Gaza City resulted in further casualties, including children.
Palestinian militants fired at least five projectiles at Israeli communities near the border without causing significant damage or casualties.
On Saturday, an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City killed at least 16 people and injured 21 more. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted a Hamas command center.
The ongoing conflict began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and around 250 hostages. In response, Israel's extensive military operations have resulted in the deaths of at least 39,580 Palestinians, with significant destruction and displacement affecting Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
The conflict has also led to increased violence along the Lebanon border with Hezbollah and has prompted many countries, including the U.S., to advise their citizens to leave Lebanon.
In the West Bank, over 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the start of the Gaza war, primarily during raids and protests. The West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, captured by Israel in 1967, are territories sought by Palestinians for their future state.
