GAZA, Dec 18: In the most recent Israeli airstrikes on the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, the toll has reached a devastating count of at least 90 fatalities and over 100 injuries. The enclave’s Health Ministry revealed that Sunday’s strikes targeted a residential block owned by the al-Barsh and Alwan families in Jabalia, as reported by the Palestinian news agency, Wafa.

Among the casualties were women and children, and the Wafa report noted that numerous individuals remain missing, intensifying concerns for additional victims. First responders and residents are actively engaged in the search for the wounded, with fears that more bodies may be trapped beneath the rubble.

Numerous injured individuals, including children, have been transported to nearby medical centers, which are already grappling with a high volume of patients. Tragically, the son of Dawoud Shehab, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, was among the deceased, as confirmed by an official statement provided to the Reuters news agency.

Expressing the severity of the situation, the official stated, "We believe the number of casualties beneath the rubble is substantial, but the intensity of Israeli fire is hindering efforts to remove debris and retrieve them." In central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah, medics reported at least 12 Palestinians killed and dozens wounded, while in the southern town of Rafah, an Israeli air attack on a house resulted in the death of at least four individuals.

The overall toll on Gaza has been devastating, with approximately 19,000 Palestinians losing their lives since October 7. In contrast, Israel asserts that 1,147 people were killed within its territory on that fateful day. The gravity of the situation calls for urgent international attention and efforts to address the ongoing crisis.