More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the Gaza Health Ministry reported Sunday. Overnight Israeli airstrikes killed at least 26 Palestinians, including a senior Hamas political leader, women, and children.
Israeli ground troops have also entered parts of the southern city of Rafah, prompting thousands of Palestinians to flee under new evacuation orders.
Israel ended the latest ceasefire with a series of surprise airstrikes that killed hundreds. Ground incursions have since expanded in northern Gaza. The Israeli military claims to have “eliminated” dozens of militants in recent days.
Israel’s Cabinet approved a proposal on Saturday to establish a directorate promoting the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians, aligning with a plan previously suggested by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Palestinians have rejected the proposal, and human rights groups warn it could constitute forced expulsion, violating international law.
The military has ordered residents to evacuate Tel al-Sultan in Rafah on foot along a single route to Muwasi, an overcrowded area filled with makeshift tent camps. More than 2 million Palestinians have been displaced, many multiple times.
“It’s displacement under fire,” said journalist Mustafa Gaber, who fled with his family. “Tank and drone fire echoed nearby.”
“The shells are falling among us, and bullets are flying above,” said Amal Nassar, displaced from Rafah. “The elderly have been thrown into the streets. An old woman was telling her son, ‘Go and leave me to die.’ Where will we go?”
A blast in Gaza City struck near a tent camp designated for evacuees. “My husband is blind and started running barefoot. My children were screaming,” said Nidaa Hassuna, one of the displaced.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported losing contact with medics responding to airstrikes in Rafah. Spokesperson Nebal Farsakh confirmed that some were wounded.
Israel’s military did not immediately comment but maintains that it targets militants, blaming civilian casualties on Hamas for operating in populated areas.
Hamas confirmed that Salah Bardawil, a senior member of its political bureau, was killed in an Israeli strike in Muwasi, along with his wife. The Israeli military confirmed his death.
Hospitals in southern Gaza reported receiving 24 additional bodies overnight, including multiple women and children.
Gaza’s Health Ministry states that 50,021 Palestinians have been killed and more than 113,000 wounded. Among the dead are 15,613 children, including 872 infants under one year old.
While the ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants, it reports that women and children account for more than half the fatalities. Israel claims it has killed approximately 20,000 Hamas fighters but has not provided evidence.
A ceasefire in January temporarily halted over a year of conflict sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in 251 hostages. Most hostages have since been released in prisoner swaps.
The latest ceasefire negotiations aimed at securing the release of the remaining 59 hostages, including 35 believed to be dead, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting truce, and an Israeli withdrawal. However, talks collapsed before they could begin.
Hundreds of Israelis protested outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem on Sunday, condemning his handling of the war and his attempts to remove the Shin Bet security chief.
“I’m worried for the future of this country. This has to stop. We need a change in direction,” said protester Avital Halperin.
Israel’s Cabinet approved the creation of 13 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, rezoning existing ones, according to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Anti-settlement group Peace Now says this brings the total number of settlements, widely deemed illegal by the international community, to 140. These settlements will now receive independent budgets and can elect local governments.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a missile at Israel overnight. The Israeli military intercepted it, reporting no casualties or damage.
The Houthis resumed attacks on Israel after it ended the Gaza ceasefire, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. The U.S. renewed airstrikes against the rebels last week in response to their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea.
Most targeted ships have no direct connection to the war.
