Fri Apr 11 19:38:00 UTC 2025: **UN Condemns Israeli Strikes in Gaza as Civilian Casualties Mount**

**Gaza City, April 12, 2025** – The United Nations has condemned the ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, citing a disproportionate number of civilian casualties, particularly women and children. A recent attack on Friday killed a family of ten in Khan Yunis, bringing the death toll since the resumption of hostilities on March 18th to over 1,500, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that expanding Israeli evacuation orders are forcing Palestinians into increasingly confined areas, raising serious concerns about the long-term viability of the Gazan population.

The UN Human Rights Office reported that in 36 corroborated incidents, only women and children were killed. A total of 224 incidents of strikes on residential buildings and displacement camps were recorded between March 18th and April 9th. Witnesses described horrific scenes, with many displaced Palestinians seeking refuge in overcrowded cemeteries. One woman, Ibtisam Abu Ghanima, recounted living amongst the graves due to a lack of alternative shelter.

Israeli authorities claim Palestinian militants are hiding among civilians, a claim denied by Hamas. However, the UN expressed alarm over the denial of access to basic necessities in Gaza and repeated calls for Gazans to leave the territory. The Israeli military stated it was investigating the attack on the Farra family, while also claiming to have targeted 40 terrorist sites in the past day.

Negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages remain ongoing, with reports suggesting a potential deal involving the release of hostages in exchange for a temporary truce and prisoner releases. Both US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have expressed optimism about a resolution, with reports indicating that Egypt is mediating between the two sides. A Hamas leader indicated openness to any proposal that includes a ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people. The conflict began after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant Israeli casualties.

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