Israeli airstrikes on residential areas in Gaza City’s Al-Zaytoun neighborhood claimed the lives of several Palestinians late Friday night, local sources confirmed.

Israeli warplanes targeted an apartment in the Abu Al-Ouf building near Al-Sham'a Mosque in southeastern Gaza City. The assault resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries among residents, though the exact number remains unconfirmed.

In another strike in the same neighborhood, Israeli forces bombed a residential building belonging to the Tafesh family. At least one person was killed, and three others were injured in the attack.

Earlier on Friday, Israeli warplanes struck an apartment near Al-Kanz Mosque in the Al-Rimal neighborhood, west of Gaza City. The strike killed three people, including a woman and a young girl, and injured ten others. Surrounding homes also sustained heavy damage.

The ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza, which began in October 2023, has led to at least 46,006 documented Palestinian deaths, with more than 109,378 others injured. Local sources fear thousands remain trapped under rubble, inaccessible to rescue teams due to continued bombardment.

Despite calls from the United Nations Security Council for an immediate ceasefire and directives from the International Court of Justice urging Israel to prevent genocide and address the humanitarian crisis, airstrikes have continued unabated.

The escalating violence has drawn widespread international condemnation, with humanitarian organizations emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire to protect civilian lives and ensure access to critical aid. (ILKHA)