Thu Apr 03 12:41:55 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Death Toll Surges Past 1,163 After Overnight Israeli Strikes Hit Civilian Areas

**GAZA CITY** – Israeli airstrikes targeting a designated “humanitarian” zone in Khan Younis, Gaza, have killed dozens of Palestinians overnight, including six members of one family, bringing the death toll since the resumption of large-scale strikes on March 18th to at least 1,163. The Gaza Ministry of Health reported nearly 100 deaths in the past 24 hours alone, plus three previously unrecovered bodies, raising the total death toll since the war began on October 7th to over 50,423.

The attacks specifically hit displacement camps housing people already forced from their homes, prompting a desperate rescue effort. This latest escalation follows an Israeli military spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, issuing an order via X (formerly Twitter) for residents of several neighborhoods in Gaza City to evacuate immediately, citing ongoing military operations to destroy “terrorist infrastructure.” Adraee directed residents to unspecified “known shelters” in western Gaza City, raising concerns given previous instances where purportedly “safe zones” were subsequently targeted.

The UN humanitarian agency has reported that the renewed conflict, which broke a fragile ceasefire in January, has displaced over 142,000 people since March 18th. The escalating violence and the lack of clarity regarding designated safe zones have sparked international outrage and renewed calls for an immediate end to hostilities.

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