London, March 18, 2025 – The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) strongly condemns the relentless and brutal escalation of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip this morning. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 412 Palestinians have been killed in a matter of hours, with the number continuing to rise as emergency teams work to recover bodies from the rubble.

Residential areas across Gaza—already devastated by months of bombardment—have once again come under intense aerial and artillery fire. Entire families have been annihilated inside their homes, while shelters, hospitals, and schools are being directly targeted, leaving civilians with no safe haven. Among the victims are women, children, and elderly civilians, many killed as they sought refuge.

This morning's attacks coincide with Israel’s ongoing blockade, deliberately restricting humanitarian aid, food, medicine, and fuel, further deepening the humanitarian catastrophe for Gaza’s besieged population.

“What is unfolding in Gaza today is nothing short of a massacre,” said PRC. “Israel’s deliberate targeting of civilians and essential infrastructure reflects a systematic policy of collective punishment and genocidal destruction, in clear violation of international law.”

The PRC urgently calls on:

The PRC reiterates that the silence and inaction of the international community continue to embolden Israel’s disregard for Palestinian lives. This must end now.