CAIRO, Egypt — Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people overnight, according to health officials. This escalation comes as Israel intensifies its military operations and urges Palestinians to evacuate the area.

The strikes coincide with growing frustration among Western nations regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Some countries are preparing to recognize Palestinian statehood during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. Portugal's Foreign Affairs Ministry announced it will officially recognize a Palestinian state on Sunday, following earlier plans. Other nations, including the U.K., Canada, Australia, Malta, Belgium, and Luxembourg, are also expected to make similar announcements in the coming days.

The latest Israeli military operation, which began this week, further complicates the already tense situation in the region. The Israeli military aims to dismantle Hamas' military capabilities but has not provided a timeline for the offensive, which could extend for months. Over the past 23 months, Israeli bombardments have resulted in more than 65,000 deaths in Gaza, devastated large areas, and displaced approximately 90% of the population. Experts warn that Gaza City is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with indications of famine.

Dr. Rami Mhanna, managing director of Shifa Hospital, reported that among the deceased were six members of the same family, relatives of the hospital's director, Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiya. The Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed that five additional individuals were killed in a separate strike near Shawa Square. The Israeli military has not commented on these specific incidents but maintains that it is taking precautions to minimize civilian casualties.

In recent days, Israel has urged hundreds of thousands of Palestinians seeking refuge in Gaza City to relocate south to what it designates as a humanitarian zone. Many have begun to leave the city, traveling by car or on foot. However, numerous residents are reluctant to evacuate due to the dire conditions, lack of resources, or physical inability to move. Aid organizations have expressed concerns that forced evacuations will worsen the humanitarian crisis and are calling for a ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery.

In a related development, UNICEF reported that armed individuals stole lifesaving therapeutic food intended for malnourished children in Gaza. The food was taken from four trucks outside a UNICEF compound in Gaza City. Ammar Ammar, a spokesperson for UNICEF, stated, "They were intended to treat malnourished children in Gaza City where famine is declared … it was a life-saving shipment amid the severe restrictions on aid delivery to Gaza City."

Israel's military has attributed the theft to Hamas, accusing the group of diverting aid for military purposes, although no evidence has been provided. The United Nations asserts that mechanisms are in place to prevent significant aid diversion.

According to Gaza's Health Ministry, which operates under Hamas, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 65,100 since the conflict escalated following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel, primarily among civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals. Currently, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with fewer than half believed to be alive.