Israeli Airstrike on Gaza Mosque Kills Dozens, Escalating Regional Conflict

An Israeli airstrike on a mosque in the Gaza Strip early Sunday resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people, according to Palestinian officials. The strike occurred as Israel intensified its bombardment of northern Gaza and southern Beirut in its widening conflict with Iran-allied militant groups.

The mosque, located near Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the central town of Deir al-Balah, was sheltering displaced people when it was hit. Another strike on a school in the vicinity, also sheltering displaced individuals, claimed four more lives. The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted militants, though it provided no evidence to support this claim. The casualties from the mosque strike were all men, as documented in hospital records at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.

The conflict continues as Israel battles Hamas in Gaza a year after the group's attack on Israel. Israel has also opened a new front in Lebanon against Hezbollah, with both sides trading fire along the border since hostilities began in Gaza. Tensions with Iran escalated following Tehran's ballistic missile attack on Israel last week, leading to Israel’s vow to retaliate.

The United States, which has provided military and diplomatic support to Israel, faces the risk of being drawn into the conflict alongside Arab nations allied with the U.S. and hosting American forces. Iran-backed groups in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen have already conducted long-range strikes on Israel in support of Hamas.

The Israeli military has launched a new air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, a densely populated area in northern Gaza. The military distributed photos and videos of a column of tanks advancing toward the area, accompanied by airstrikes on suspected militant positions. This area has been a focal point of conflict, with multiple large-scale operations over the course of the war.

Israel reiterated evacuation orders for northern Gaza, urging the remaining 300,000 residents to leave the area. Leaflets dropped by the military described the region as a "dangerous combat zone." Palestinian residents reported intense airstrikes, which hit several buildings and left first responders unable to reach affected sites due to ongoing bombardments. Social media was filled with posts from residents mourning the loss of family members, including the family of Imad Alarabid, who said an airstrike on his Jabaliya home killed a dozen relatives.

Hassan Hamd, a freelance journalist, was also killed in Jabaliya as a result of artillery shelling. His death was confirmed by fellow journalist Anas al-Sharif of Al Jazeera. The military claims it has expanded a "humanitarian zone" in southern Gaza to accommodate those fleeing the north, but living conditions remain dire, with scarce food, water, and sanitation facilities. Strikes continue in this zone as Israel targets what it claims are militants hiding among civilians.

The Gaza Health Ministry reports nearly 42,000 Palestinian fatalities since the conflict began, with women and children comprising slightly more than half of those killed. Hamas militants have held around 100 hostages since the October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 kidnappings.

In Beirut, Israeli airstrikes hit southern suburbs throughout the night. The Lebanese state-run National News Agency reported over 30 strikes, marking the heaviest bombardment since September. The strikes targeted areas believed to house Hezbollah sites, including a gas station and a medical supply warehouse. Hezbollah claims to have successfully targeted Israeli soldiers in response.

Lebanon has seen at least 1,400 deaths, including civilians and Hezbollah fighters, since the conflict with Israel escalated. Israel’s aim is to drive Hezbollah away from the border to allow Israeli residents to return home. Iran-backed Hezbollah has engaged in daily exchanges of fire with Israel since the onset of the Gaza conflict, with fatalities on both sides.

In France, President Emmanuel Macron repeated his call for a partial arms embargo on Israel, urging a cease-fire to protect civilians and pave the way for political solutions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded with a video statement, calling Macron's stance a “disgrace.” Macron’s office maintained that France remains an “unfailing friend” to Israel, describing Netanyahu’s remarks as excessive.