Israeli airstrikes on Gaza kill 70 Palestinians: Civil Defense

Death toll since early Tuesday surges to over 470

At least 70 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, bringing the death toll since early Tuesday to over 470, the Gaza Civil Defense said Wednesday. The latest figures, published by Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal on Telegram, indicate that the victims were killed in airstrikes targeting homes, tents and other locations across the enclave and included a UN employee. Basal said that “many civilians remain trapped under the rubble, but rescue operations are severely hindered due to the lack of heavy machinery needed for extraction efforts.” He also emphasized that the closure of Gaza’s crossings and a blockade on fuel deliveries “are endangering the work of rescue teams and essential service providers,” adding that services “could completely cease if border restrictions persist.” "We are on the brink of famine threatening the people of Gaza, as the Strip’s crossings remain closed for the 18th consecutive day and basic supplies have run out in the markets," he added. Nearly 50,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and over 112,000 injured in a brutal Israeli military campaign in Gaza since October 2023. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.​​​​​​​ Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.