Gaza death toll hits 140 as Israel launches major ground offensive

Israel has launched an “extensive” ground operation across the Gaza Strip, as hospitals and medics report at least 140 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since dawn on Sunday.

Among the dead are dozens of children. The strikes have forced the closure of northern Gaza’s main hospital amid intensifying violence.

At least 69 people were killed in Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip, according to health officials.

One of the deadliest attacks occurred in al-Mawasi, in southern Gaza, where an Israeli strike hit a camp for displaced people, killing dozens—including children—while they were asleep in their tents, hospital sources said.

This marks Israel’s largest offensive since it shattered a ceasefire in March. The operation began on Saturday, reportedly aimed at seizing territory and displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.

The Israeli military has also called up tens of thousands of reservists in preparation for broader operations across both the north and south of Gaza. It remains unclear whether any zones have been designated as safe for civilians.

Israel is pressuring Hamas to agree to a temporary ceasefire, one that would free hostages from Gaza but wouldn’t necessarily end the war. Hamas, however, says it wants a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and a path to ending the war as part of any deal.

With inputs from AP, Al Jazeera