Israeli Strikes Kill Over 100 in Gaza as Pope Francis calls for genocide investigation

Israeli forces killed at least 111 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, according to medical sources, bringing the death toll in Gaza to a staggering 43,846 since October 7, 2023. The conflict has also left over 103,740 wounded, with global leaders and rights groups raising alarms about the scale of destruction.

In Lebanon, the death toll continues to rise as Israeli forces intensify their airstrikes. At least 3,481 people have been killed and 14,786 wounded since the conflict spilled over the border. One of the most recent attacks, described as the "most violent" on Nabatieh governorate, targeted the Islamic Health Authority center in Arab Salim, killing six paramedics, including multiple members of the Aboud family.

This follows the assassination of Hezbollah's media relations officer, Mohammad Afif, in an airstrike on Beirut, signaling a significant escalation.

Pope Francis has called for an independent investigation into allegations of genocide, amplifying global demands for accountability. Rights groups and the Lebanese government accuse Israel of targeting healthcare workers, with over 200 medical personnel reportedly killed in Lebanon in the past year. Saturday’s strikes also destroyed emergency facilities in South Lebanon, compounding the challenges for rescuers and medical teams in the region.

The war began after Hamas-led attacks on October 7 that killed 1,139 people in Israel and saw over 200 captives taken, further intensifying hostilities. The international community remains deeply divided, with some leaders urging restraint while others back Israel’s right to self-defense.

The humanitarian toll has reached alarming levels, with international observers warning of a potential regional spillover. Calls for ceasefire agreements and humanitarian corridors have gained urgency, as critical infrastructure and civilian lives hang in the balance.