Gaza (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) January 31, 2026
– Gaza’s Civil Defence agency says at least 22 people have been killed in a new
wave of Israeli airstrikes across the enclave, as Israel’s military continues
operations it says are directed against armed groups and military
infrastructure. Local emergency services report multiple residential buildings
hit and ongoing efforts to recover people from under the rubble. Israel’s army
states it is targeting Hamas and other factions, while international agencies
warn of the growing toll on civilians and vital services.
The latest strikes come amid continued hostilities and no
comprehensive ceasefire in place, with densely populated neighbourhoods again
bearing the brunt of aerial bombardment. Hospitals already struggling with
shortages of fuel, equipment and medicines are treating dozens of wounded,
including women and children, according to medical officials in the territory.
International humanitarian organisations are renewing calls for the protection
of civilians and unobstructed access for aid.
Gaza Civil Defence Details Casualties and Damage From Strikes
Gaza’s Civil Defence service reported that 22 people were confirmed dead following a series of strikes on residential areas and other locations in different parts of the Strip. Rescue teams said the death toll could rise as crews continued to search collapsed structures and dig through debris to reach those believed to be trapped. Emergency responders described scenes of destroyed apartments, damaged streets and vehicles, and families attempting to locate missing relatives.
Local authorities indicated that several of the strikes hit
multi-storey residential buildings, leading to significant structural collapse
and fire. Civil Defence personnel said they had to use heavy machinery and
manual excavation to reach lower floors. Witness accounts relayed by local
media described explosions followed by the rapid arrival of ambulances and fire
services.
Medical sources in Gaza stated that the bodies of the dead
and many wounded were taken to nearby hospitals, where doctors and nurses have
been operating under pressure due to limited resources. Hospitals activated
emergency plans to handle the influx, postponing non-urgent procedures to free
up beds and staff. Health workers have appealed for additional supplies,
including surgical equipment, anaesthetics and fuel for generators.
Israeli Military Cites Operations Against Armed Groups
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in statements that its aircraft and artillery were striking what it described as militant targets across Gaza, including command centres, weapons storage sites and launch positions associated with Hamas and other armed factions. Military spokespeople said the attacks were part of ongoing operations aimed at preventing rocket fire and other attacks towards Israeli territory and degrading the capabilities of armed groups in the enclave.
The IDF typically states that it takes measures to limit
civilian casualties, including issuing warnings in some cases before striking,
but says that fighters embed themselves in residential areas and civilian
infrastructure. In its latest updates, the military said several of the sites
targeted were used to coordinate operations and store weapons, and that some
individuals it described as operatives were among those hit. It did not
immediately provide names or numbers of those it said were combatants.
Israeli authorities also reported continued security
concerns near the Gaza perimeter, citing attempts to fire projectiles and
alleged efforts to plan attacks against Israeli forces and communities. The
strikes were framed as part of a broader campaign to maintain security and
respond to previous incidents.
Hospitals and Health System Under Growing Strain
The reported deaths and injuries add further pressure to a
health system that humanitarian agencies say has been repeatedly stretched by
cycles of conflict, long-standing restrictions and resource shortages.
Hospitals in Gaza rely heavily on generators due to limited and intermittent
electricity supply, making consistent fuel deliveries critical for maintaining
life-saving services.
Medical officials in the territory report that operating
theatres and intensive care units are running at or near capacity in the wake
of successive waves of casualties. In addition to treating trauma cases from
recent strikes, staff are responsible for caring for patients with chronic and
other serious conditions, such as cancer and kidney disease, which require
regular treatment.
International health organisations have warned that disruption to electricity, water and sanitation systems can quickly exacerbate health risks, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Damage to roads and basic infrastructure can also slow ambulance movements and hinder the transport of supplies. Agencies have reiterated calls for the protection of medical facilities and personnel, in line with international humanitarian law.
Humanitarian Agencies Highlight Civilian Impact
Aid agencies and rights groups monitoring events in Gaza
have expressed concern about the continued loss of civilian life and the
cumulative impact on the territory’s roughly two million residents. They note
that many of those affected by the latest strikes are already living in
precarious conditions, with limited access to clean water, reliable electricity
and employment.
Organisations working on the ground have reported that
repeated displacement, property damage and trauma are affecting families’
ability to cope. In some cases, people whose homes have been damaged or
destroyed have had to move in with relatives or seek temporary shelter in
schools, mosques or other public buildings. Humanitarian workers argue that recurrent
damage to housing and infrastructure, coupled with restrictions on the entry of
construction materials, has slowed reconstruction and left many areas
vulnerable when new hostilities erupt.
International agencies have also emphasised the importance of
safe and sustained access for humanitarian convoys to deliver food, medical
supplies, fuel and other essentials. They have urged all sides to facilitate
rapid and unimpeded passage for aid and to respect the neutrality of
humanitarian operations.
Regional and International Responses to Latest Violence
Regional governments and international organisations
continue to call for de-escalation and adherence to international humanitarian
law. Neighbouring countries, including Egypt and Qatar, have previously played
roles in mediating temporary ceasefires or understandings aimed at halting
hostilities between Israel and armed factions in Gaza. Officials in these
states have urged restraint and emphasised the need to prevent further civilian
casualties.
The United Nations and various member states have expressed concern over civilian deaths and reiterated that parties to the conflict must distinguish between civilian and military targets. Some have called for renewed diplomatic engagement to stabilise the situation and reduce the risk of a broader escalation. Statements from foreign ministries in several capitals have balanced references to Israel’s security concerns with appeals to protect civilians and infrastructure in Gaza.
International legal and human rights bodies continue to document incidents and collect information on potential violations committed by all parties. They have underscored that accountability and respect for legal obligations are essential for preventing further deterioration and for any eventual political process.