Israeli Airstrikes Kill Dozens Including Nine Children in Gaza; IDF Investigates Strike in Khan Younis

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, particularly a drone strike in Khan Yunis, have resulted in the deaths of at least 79 Palestinians, including nine children of pediatrician Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, who was on duty at the time. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated the strike targeted suspected militants near Israeli forces in a declared combat zone and have launched an investigation into civilian casualties. Palestinian sources and Hamas condemned the attack as a massacre targeting medical personnel and their families, highlighting the broader assault on Gaza's health system, which has suffered extensive damage and loss of medical workers. The IDF maintains that civilians were warned to evacuate the area prior to the operation, while Gaza’s health ministry reports over 53,900 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began in October 2023. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire, with limited access to medical supplies and international aid despite some relief deliveries. The incident has intensified international concern over civilian harm amid ongoing hostilities and Israel's vow to continue its military campaign against Hamas.