73 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes on Beit Lahiya, Gaza

According to Gaza’s Government Media Office (GMO), over 100 people were injured, and many more remain trapped beneath the rubble.

Local residents reported that the strikes were carried out without prior warning, devastating a multi-story building and several nearby houses. The nighttime bombardment left numerous victims buried under debris, complicating rescue efforts as emergency crews face ongoing Israeli attacks in the area.

Husam Abu Safiya, Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, described the dire situation, saying: "A number of wounded citizens died due to the lack of medical supplies and the overwhelming number of casualties." He added that medical teams are prioritizing lifesaving emergency care but are overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster.

The death toll is expected to rise as many of the wounded are in critical condition. Abu Safiya also noted that rescue crews are struggling to reach victims due to continued airstrikes and insufficient equipment, leaving dozens missing under the rubble.

GMO condemned the strikes, calling them part of "a war of genocide and ethnic cleansing." They confirmed that many women and children were among the casualties and blamed Israel for deliberately targeting densely populated residential areas in Beit Lahiya.

Rescue efforts are further hindered by the Israeli-imposed cut-off of telecommunications and internet services, which have been down for two days, according to GMO.

Earlier on Saturday, Gaza’s health ministry reported that Israeli military operations had killed 35 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip. The latest assault in Beit Lahiya brings the day's death toll significantly higher, with fears it may increase further as rescue and recovery operations continue.

The Israeli army has maintained a tight siege on northern Gaza for over two weeks, attacking and besieging hospitals and ordering evacuations, which have crippled the already decimated healthcare infrastructure. Northern Gaza, home to 400,000 people, has been left without sufficient medical supplies, food, or fuel.

GMO has accused the US, Britain, Germany, France, and other nations supporting Israel of being complicit in the ongoing violence, holding them responsible for the "genocidal and ethnic cleansing crimes" taking place in Jabalia and Beit Lahiya.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as Israeli airstrikes and a blockade have pushed the region’s health system to the brink of collapse. (ILKHA)