13 Palestinians killed, 75 others injured in Israeli strike

New Delhi, Dec 19: At least 13 Palestinians were killed and 75 others sustained injuries in an Israeli strike targeting the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israel has not yet responded to these claims. This incident follows reports from the previous day, where at least 110 people were reported to have been killed in Jabalia.

Situated at Jabalia refugee camp, the largest among eight camps in Gaza, hosting approximately 116,000 registered refugees continue to face strikes from Israeli airstrikes and ground forces.

Jabalia refugee camp residents have been recognised as refugees by the UN Agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) and have lived in these camps since 1948. Israel's military had previously ordered the evacuation of the camp, along with other areas in the north, back in October suspecting Hamas using the civilian areas for military purposes.

In another incident, Hamas officials reported at least 20 casualties in the southern Gazan city of Rafah due to overnight strikes. The Israeli army, without specifying the incident, claimed to have targeted and killed a "Hamas financier" in Rafah. Tuesday's Israeli air strikes in the southern Gazan city resulted in numerous casualties.

Among the victims, Palestinian journalist Adel Zourub and his family members were reported dead, according to news agency Wafa.

The Committee to Protect Journalists revealed that at least 64 journalists and media workers, mostly Palestinian, have lost their lives since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7.

Meanwhile, bombardments of central and southern Gaza cities like Bureij and Khan Younis continued overnight. The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a new ceasefire motion, with reports suggesting that the language has been altered to a "suspension" of hostilities to secure US backing.

The ongoing conflict traces back to October 7 when Hamas breached Israel's heavily guarded borders, resulting in 1,200 casualties and the capture of 240 hostages, some of whom were released during a brief truce. According to the Gaza health ministry, since the start of the Gaza conflict, more than 19,400 people have lost their lives, and 52,000 have been injured in the enclave.