Israeli airstrikes kill three Palestinians, including health ministry official's son, in Gaza

The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed that three Palestinians lost their lives in a series of Israeli strikes carried out on Monday, with the ministry’s director general, Munir al‑Bursh, saying his own son was among the dead. Al Jazeera reported that the attacks hit residential areas in different parts of the enclave, leaving families without their loved ones and adding to the already high civilian toll.

According to the ministry, the child victim was a teenager, though the exact age was not disclosed. The other two fatalities were identified as adult men, but their identities and locations of the strikes were not immediately released. The ministry has called for an urgent investigation and urged the international community to pressure Israel to halt attacks that endanger civilians.

The strikes come amid a renewed phase of hostilities that began earlier this year, when Israel intensified its campaign against Hamas targets in response to rocket fire from Gaza. Over the past months, the United Nations has warned that the death toll among Palestinians has surpassed 30,000, with a significant proportion being women and children. Health facilities have been repeatedly hit, straining an already fragile medical system that struggles with shortages of medicines, electricity, and water.

Gaza’s health infrastructure operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, which coordinates with international NGOs to provide emergency care. The loss of Munir al‑Bursh’s son underscores the personal cost borne by officials tasked with managing the humanitarian crisis. Historically, health officials in the territory have been targeted or caught in crossfire, complicating efforts to deliver aid and maintain essential services.

The international response has been mixed. While several European governments have condemned the civilian casualties, calls for a ceasefire have been met with resistance from Israeli officials who argue that the strikes are aimed at degrading Hamas’ military capabilities. Human rights groups continue to document alleged violations of international law, urging both sides to protect civilians.

The situation remains volatile, with the possibility of further escalations. Residents of Gaza are urged to seek shelter whenever sirens sound, and aid agencies are preparing additional supplies in anticipation of more attacks, according to statements from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.