Israeli assault on central Gaza refugee camps claims lives of at least 15 individuals.

A Palestinian health official has reported that at least 15 individuals were killed in Israeli ground and air assaults on the Bureij and Maghazi refugee camps in central Gaza. According to a Ministry of Health spokesperson, over 15 casualties, along with numerous injuries, have been admitted to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the last few hours.

The spokesperson warned that if the attacks in central Gaza continue, the death toll is expected to rise rapidly. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital is the sole medical facility catering to over one million residents in the area. However, it is already overwhelmed with wounded individuals, many of whom are being treated on the floor due to a lack of space. Another attack on a house in the neighboring Maghazi refugee camp resulted in the deaths of two individuals, as confirmed by hospital officials.

The Israeli military stated that airstrikes targeted Hamas sites in central Gaza, while ground forces operated in a targeted manner with intelligence guidance in the al-Bureij area. Medical staff at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital are reportedly struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. Explosions and heavy machine-gun fire continue to be heard in the eastern area of central Gaza, including the densely populated Maghazi and Bureij camps. Reports indicate that entire families are still trapped inside bombed homes in these camps. Meanwhile, international mediators await responses from Israel and Hamas regarding a proposed ceasefire and captive exchange.

A Hamas official stated that the group will not accept a deal unless it guarantees a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The US President announced the proposed three-phase plan, but Israeli leaders have distanced themselves from it and vowed to continue fighting Hamas. The Israeli offensive in Gaza has led to a significant number of casualties and widespread destruction.

Israel's actions have also exacerbated the humanitarian situation, with residents facing shortages of food, medicine, and other supplies. Many Palestinians have fled to tent camps across central and southern Gaza to escape the violence.