Hamas health ministry says more than 60 killed in Gaza strikes

Over 60 Palestinians were killed overnight in Israeli military attacks throughout the region, according to a report released early on Monday by Gaza’s health ministry, which is operated by Hamas.

According to the militant group’s media office, “intense” Israeli strikes and artillery shelling throughout the Gaza Strip resulted in several injuries as well.

According to the media office, the attacks also affected the vicinity of Gaza City and the southern cities of Khan Yunis and Rafah.

It said that among the targets were “dozens” of residences, two hospitals, and a girls’ school.

Under international humanitarian law, hospitals in Gaza have been frequently targeted by Israeli strikes since the start of the conflict.

The Israeli military accuses Hamas of having tunnels under hospitals and using them as command centres, as well as exploiting civilian infrastructure in general to shield its activities — a charge the Islamist group denies.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas fighters attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

The militants also seized about 250 hostages, 132 of whom Israel says remain in Gaza, including at least 25 believed to have been killed.

Israel vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation and launched a relentless military campaign that has killed at least 23,968 people in the Palestinian territory, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.