Gaza Conflict Intensifies: Over 40 Killed in Israeli Strikes Ahead of Key UN Meeting

CAIRO (AP) — Israeli military strikes in Gaza City and a refugee camp have resulted in the deaths of more than 40 people, including 19 women and children, according to health officials speaking on Sunday. These developments come as several European nations and key U.S. allies signal their intent to formally recognize a Palestinian state.

Health officials at Shifa Hospital reported that 14 individuals were killed in a late Saturday strike on a residential block in southern Gaza City. Among the deceased were a nurse from the hospital, his wife, and their three children. Another strike targeting a group outside a clinic in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza killed at least eight Palestinians, including four children and two women, according to Al-Awda Hospital, which also reported 22 wounded.

The Israeli military has not yet commented on these specific strikes. This latest operation, which began this week, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, pushing a potential ceasefire further out of reach. While Israel states its goal is to pressure Hamas into freeing hostages and surrendering, it has not provided a timeline, with indications suggesting the offensive could last months.

Ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, peace activists in Israel have voiced support for the planned recognition of a Palestinian state. On Sunday, the It’s Time Coalition, representing over 60 Jewish and Arab organizations, called for an immediate end to the war, the release of all hostages, and the recognition of a Palestinian state. The coalition emphasized that the UN decision offers a “historic opportunity to move from a death trap to life, from an endless messianic war to a future of security and freedom for both peoples.” Tens of thousands had protested in Israel on Saturday night, demanding an end to the war and a hostage deal.

Despite these calls, a ceasefire remains elusive. Over the past 23 months, Israeli bombardment has claimed more than 65,000 lives in Gaza, devastated large areas of the strip, displaced approximately 90% of the population, and triggered a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with experts warning of famine conditions in Gaza City.

On Sunday, Australia, Canada, and the U.K. officially recognized Palestinian statehood. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the move aims “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis,” a decision welcomed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu adamantly rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state, calling it a “prize” for Hamas in an angry statement following the coordinated initiative from Commonwealth nations. He vowed to announce Israel’s response after an upcoming trip to the U.S. to meet President Donald Trump at the White House. Other prominent Western nations, including France, are also preparing to recognize Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly on Monday.

French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Israel’s conduct, calling the war a “failure” for not dismantling Hamas and undermining Israel’s credibility by causing civilian casualties. Macron warned that Israel’s approach creates an “unsustainable framework of security in the whole region.”

The military claimed Sunday to have killed Majed Abu Selmiya, identified as a Hamas sniper, without providing evidence. Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiya, director of Shifa hospital and Majed’s brother, refuted the allegations, stating his brother, 57, suffered from chronic health issues.

As attacks persist, Israel has ordered hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza City to evacuate south to designated humanitarian zones, opening a corridor for two days this week. Many residents are reluctant to move again, are too weak, or cannot afford the relocation. Aid groups continue to warn that forced evacuations will worsen the dire humanitarian crisis and reiterate calls for a ceasefire to allow aid delivery.

Pope Leo XIV denounced the “forced exile” of Palestinians from Gaza, asserting that violence and vendetta offer no future for the “martyred” Gaza Strip. During his Sunday blessing, he appealed for peace and praised Catholic organizations assisting Palestinians.

Families of hostages held by Hamas have accused Netanyahu of endangering their loved ones by prioritizing continued fighting over negotiating an end to the war.

Netanyahu also indicated progress in talks with Syria, stating that Israel’s victories against Hezbollah in Lebanon have “opened a window for the possibility of peace with our neighbors to the north.” Israel has occupied parts of southwest Syria since the overthrow of then-Syrian President Bashar Assad in December. Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa confirmed ongoing negotiations for a security deal, hoping for a return to pre-1974 disengagement lines. Israel considers the fall of the Assad regime as Syria’s withdrawal from the 1974 agreement.

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