Increased Israeli airstrikes jeopardize relief, leave neighbourhoods in shambles

Jerusalem: Increased Israeli airstrikes are devastating parts of the Gaza Strip, jeopardizing relief operations and leaving neighbourhoods in shambles. A strike in the Nusseirat refugee camp on Wednesday killed several family members of one of Al Jazeera TV’s chief correspondents, Wael Dahdouh. Strikes elsewhere destroyed homes and businesses and left many digging through the debris. Health care facilities are doing their best to treat the wounded, but with supplies that are becoming scarce.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees says its relief operations across the Gaza Strip will need to be curtailed amid the airstrikes.

The war, in its 19th day, is the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides. The Hamas-run Health Ministry said Wednesday that at least 6,546 Palestinians have been killed and 17,439 others wounded. In the occupied West Bank, more than 100 Palestinians have been killed and 1,650 wounded in violence and Israeli raids since Oct. 7.

The Associated Press couldn’t independently verify the death tolls cited by Hamas, which says it tallies figures from hospital directors.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, according to Israeli officials, mostly civilians who died in the initial Hamas rampage. Israel’s military on Wednesday raised the number of remaining hostages in Gaza to 222 people, including foreigners believed captured by Hamas during the incursion. Four hostages have been released.

U.S. and other officials fear the fighting could spill over into a wider regional conflict.