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The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has reported that at least 87 people were killed and over 40 injured in an Israeli air strike on the northern city of Beit Lahiya. The devastating attack, which targeted a residential area, left multiple individuals trapped beneath the rubble. Israel acknowledged checking reports of casualties but disputed the figures provided by Hamas, terming them as "exaggerated."

This air strike is a part of a broader Israeli military campaign aimed at preventing Hamas militants from regrouping in northern Gaza. The UN's peace process coordinator, Tor Wennesland, has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict, stating that "nowhere is safe in Gaza." He issued a sharp condemnation of the ongoing civilian attacks, calling for an immediate end to the war, the release of hostages held by Hamas, the cessation of Palestinian displacement, and unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid.

Gaza’s health ministry updated the death toll from the Beit Lahia attack from 73 to 87, highlighting challenges faced by ambulance crews in accessing the site. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the operation as a "precision" strike targeting a "Hamas terror target," asserting efforts to avoid civilian harm.

Dr. Eid Sabbah, director of nursing at Kamal Adwan Hospital, reported catastrophic destruction in Beit Lahiya, with several residential buildings completely demolished. He stressed the urgent need for lifting the "siege" on hospitals and restoring normalcy to prevent further decimation of the population.

Further escalating the conflict, the IDF confirmed the death of senior officer Col Ahsan Daksa in northern Gaza's Jabalia area, along with injuries to three other officers. Israel has intensified its military activities in this region since early October, with frequent bombings of the Jabalia area and surrounding urban refugee camps resulting in significant casualties.

Humanitarian organizations have raised alarms over the severe lack of aid reaching Gaza in recent weeks. UN humanitarian official Joyce Msuya highlighted the severe conditions, describing them as "unspeakable horrors." Calls have been made for Israel to increase aid access or face potential reductions in American military aid.

The ongoing conflict, which began after Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, has claimed tens of thousands of lives and injured countless others. In response to the aggression, Israel launched an extensive ground offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas operations within Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes have also continued against the Lebanese group Hezbollah in Beirut, targeting key command and weapons sites.

The urgent need for a resolution to the conflict and the protection of civilians remains paramount as the violence persists.