Airstrikes Kill 44 in Gaza as Israel Ignores Demands for a Ceasefire/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israeli airstrikes and gunfire killed at least 44 people across Gaza on Saturday, despite mounting global calls for a ceasefire. Hospitals are overwhelmed as food, medicine, and fuel run dangerously low. Netanyahu remains defiant, vowing to “finish the job” against Hamas, even as Trump signals possible negotiations.
Gaza Conflict Quick Looks
- 44 Palestinians killed Saturday in strikes and gunfire
- Victims include nine members of one family in Nuseirat camp
- Hospitals overwhelmed: premature babies in incubators, two clinics destroyed
- Netanyahu at UN: vows Israel must “finish the job”
- World leaders walk out during Netanyahu’s speech
- Trump, Netanyahu meeting Monday amid pressure for ceasefire
- Israel’s Gaza campaign: 65,000+ dead, 167,000 wounded (local health ministry)
- Famine, aid shortages worsening as Israel blocks northern deliveries
- Doctors Without Borders suspends Gaza City operations over tank threat
- Conflict stems from Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel
Deep Look: Gaza Death Toll Rises as Israel Rejects Ceasefire Pressure
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — September 27, 2025
At least 44 Palestinians were killed Saturday in a series of Israeli airstrikes and shootings across Gaza, according to health officials, as international calls for a ceasefire intensified but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the war.
The latest casualties underscore the mounting humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where hospitals teeter on collapse and hundreds of thousands of civilians face famine conditions.
Families and Refugees Among the Dead
Nine members of one family were killed in the Nuseirat refugee camp, their bodies taken to Al-Awda Hospital. At least five displaced Palestinians died when a strike hit a tent, doctors at Nasser Hospital reported.
In Gaza City’s Tufah neighborhood, an airstrike destroyed a house, killing 11 people — most of them women and children. Strikes in the Shati refugee camp killed four more, while six Palestinians were shot dead while trying to collect aid in southern and central Gaza.
Israel’s military said it was unaware of deaths caused by gunfire in southern Gaza and offered no immediate comment on the reported strikes.
Hospitals Under Siege
Doctors described desperate conditions in Gaza’s medical facilities:
- Shifa Hospital: director reported Israeli tanks approaching, restricting patient access.
- Helou Hospital: caring for 14 premature babies in incubators while drones hovered overhead.
- Two clinics destroyed, two hospitals shut down, others running on limited staff and dwindling supplies, per the Gaza Health Ministry.
Doctors Without Borders suspended its work in Gaza City on Friday, citing “unacceptable risk” after Israeli tanks advanced within a kilometer of its facilities.
“The bombardment has not stopped for a single moment,” said Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiya of Shifa Hospital.
Netanyahu Defiant at UN
The strikes followed a defiant speech by Prime Minister Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly, where he pledged Israel “must finish the job” against Hamas. His remarks prompted dozens of diplomats to walk out in protest.
Meanwhile, countries worldwide have increased recognition of a Palestinian state, isolating Israel diplomatically.
President Donald Trump, facing international lobbying, said Friday he believed a deal was near that could “get the hostages back” and “end the war.” He and Netanyahu are scheduled to meet Monday.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The humanitarian situation worsens daily:
- Food and fuel shortages cripple aid distribution.
- Israel has blocked northern Gaza aid crossings since Sept. 12, according to the UN.
- 700,000 civilians remain trapped in Gaza City, many unable to flee due to poverty.
The UN and aid groups warn of famine as families struggle to survive with dwindling resources.
Heavy Toll of Israel’s Gaza Campaign
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s offensive has killed over 65,000 people and wounded more than 167,000, with women and children accounting for about half of the deaths. Although the ministry is part of the Hamas-run government, UN agencies and independent observers consider its data broadly reliable.
Israel’s campaign began after Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Most captives have since been released in deals or ceasefires, but 48 remain in Gaza, including around 20 believed alive.
Looking Ahead
Despite international calls for restraint, Israel appears set on intensifying its ground operation in Gaza City, a move experts warn could worsen famine and civilian casualties.
With Trump and Netanyahu set to meet Monday, pressure is mounting on the U.S. to use its influence to push for a ceasefire. Yet, Israel’s leadership shows little sign of backing down.
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