Israeli airstrikes claimed at least 28 Palestinian lives, including four children, in the Gaza Strip, hospital officials reported Saturday. The attacks, which began late Friday, targeted Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, killing 13 people, including two women, according to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Four others died near a fuel station, and 15 were killed in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, per Nasser Hospital.

The Israeli military stated it struck around 250 targets over 48 hours, including militants, booby-trapped structures, and Hamas infrastructure, but did not comment on civilian casualties. The ongoing offensive, sparked by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and abducted 251, has now killed over 57,000 Palestinians, with more than half being women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry, run by Hamas, does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, but its figures are deemed reliable by the UN.

Hamas still holds 50 hostages, less than half believed to be alive. US President Donald Trump claimed progress toward a ceasefire to release more hostages, but talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week showed no signs of success. The conflict, now in its 21st month, continues to devastate Gaza, with the UN warning of a looming famine and crippled healthcare infrastructure.

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