Gaza: At least 71 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes targeting residential areas across the Gaza Strip since dawn on Thursday, according to officials.

Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, confirmed that the death toll has surpassed 71, including women and children. He added that dozens more have been injured in the latest wave of attacks. "The Gaza Strip is no longer safe amid ongoing violent airstrikes," Basal said, warning that the number of casualties is likely to rise as search and rescue efforts continue under extremely difficult conditions. He pointed out that the lack of heavy recovery equipment is hampering efforts to retrieve victims trapped under rubble.

The latest airstrikes have hit several areas, including Bani Suhaila, Abasan al-Kabira, and al-Fakhari, located east of Khan Younis, as well as Rafah in the south and Gaza City and Beit Lahia in the north. Security sources and local eyewitnesses reported that at least 19 homes were completely destroyed in the attacks. In addition to residential buildings, tents sheltering displaced people, aid warehouses, and mosques were also targeted and destroyed.

Meanwhile, Hebrew public radio reported that the Israeli army has struck approximately 20 targets in Gaza in recent hours. Artillery shelling is also ongoing, particularly east of Khan Younis, including Abasan al-Kabira, as well as central and eastern Gaza.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency confirmed they are continuing extensive strikes throughout the Gaza Strip. The IDF said the operations are aimed at "removing any threat to the citizens of the State of Israel."