Scores of people have been rushed to Deir el-Balah hospital to identify bodies after Israel stepped up its air strikes on Gaza.

Authorities said Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, has suffered most from one of the most intense nights of shelling since Israel started its bombardment on October 7.

More than 260 people died in 24 hours, according to the health ministry toll, which said 1,873 of those killed in the past fortnight were children.

At the hospital morgue in Deir el-Balah, bodies were everywhere. In the southern town of Khan Yunis, one strike on the Rio cafe killed 13 people.

Many people fled to southern Gaza seeking safety after Israel urged them to leave the north. — AFP
Many people fled to southern Gaza seeking safety after Israel urged them to leave the north. — AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Shifting climate tone
Updated 08 May, 2026

Shifting climate tone

Our financial system is geared towards short-term, risk-averse lending, while climate adaptation and green infrastructure require patient, long-term capital.
Honour and impunity
08 May, 2026

Honour and impunity

THE Sindh Assembly’s discussion on karo-kari this week reminds us of the enduring nature of ‘honour’ killings...
No real change
08 May, 2026

No real change

THE Indian sports ministry’s move to allow Pakistani players and teams to participate in multilateral events ...
A breakthrough?
07 May, 2026

A breakthrough?

The whole world would welcome an end to this pointless war.
Missed opportunity
07 May, 2026

Missed opportunity

A BIG opportunity to industrialise Pakistan has just passed us by. This has been reconfirmed by the investment...
Punishing dissent
07 May, 2026

Punishing dissent

THE Sindh government’s treatment of the Aurat March this week was a disgraceful assault on democratic rights. What...