Gaza Conflict: Latest Reports on Air Strikes and Casualties
On Sunday, the civil defense agency in Gaza reported that Israeli air strikes and gunfire led to the deaths of at least 17 people, including three children, amid escalating violence in the region. Mahmud Bassal, a spokesperson for the agency, informed AFP that 16 of the fatalities resulted from air strikes across five different locations within the Gaza Strip, while one individual was killed by Israeli gunfire near an aid distribution center.
The Israeli military declined to comment on the specific incidents reported but emphasized its ongoing operations aimed at dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities. This response follows a campaign that began earlier in 2023, targeting the militant group accused of inciting the current conflict with its attacks on Israel. However, the constrained media environment in Gaza has complicated efforts to independently verify the casualty figures and incidents reported by rescuers.
Tragic Civilian Casualties
Bassal revealed that two children were among the casualties from an air strike that demolished their home in the Zeitun neighborhood of Gaza City. Abdel Rahman Azzam, a family member, recounted the devastating moment he heard a loud explosion at his relative’s home. “I panicked and rushed outside, only to find the house destroyed and ablaze,” he said, detailing how they evacuated over 20 wounded individuals, including the two deceased children.
“The cries of children and women were incessant,” Azzam recalled, expressing his anguish over the attack. He described the assault as a horrific crime, emphasizing the uncertainty families face as they go to bed at night, fearing they may not wake up.
Drone Strike and Additional Casualties
In another tragic event, Bassal reported a drone strike targeting a tent where displaced families were sheltering near Khan Yunis, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including a child. He also noted an additional casualty: a young man who was reportedly killed by Israeli fire while waiting for aid close to a humanitarian distribution center in Rafah.
These incidents highlight the severe humanitarian crisis faced by the residents of Gaza, as violence continues to affect vulnerable populations seeking shelter and assistance.
Military Evacuations Announced
On Sunday, the Israeli military issued evacuation orders for specific areas within Gaza City and surrounding regions, warning of impending military operations. Avichay Adraee, a spokesperson for the military, communicated via social media platform X the plan for “intense military operations” aimed at dismantling terrorist groups in the area, urging residents to evacuate immediately southward towards the Al-Mawasi area along the coast.
This call for evacuation underscores the escalating tension and the military’s commitment to its objective in the ongoing conflict.
Ongoing Offensive and Rising Casualties
Shortly after issuing the evacuation orders, the Israeli military conducted an air strike on a residence in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of three additional individuals. This offensive began in October 2023, initiated in retaliation for a deadly Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, primarily civilians, according to an AFP assessment based on Israeli sources.
In response to these provocations, Israeli military actions have led to overwhelming casualties on the Palestinian side, with Hamas-controlled health ministry reporting over 56,412 deaths in Gaza, most of whom are civilians. The United Nations has indicated that these casualty figures are credible.
Shift in Military Focus
After declaring victory in a 12-day conflict against Iran which concluded with a ceasefire on Tuesday, the Israeli military has announced a shift in focus back to operations in Gaza. This comes at a time when Palestinian militants continue to hold Israeli hostages, further complicating the already critical situation.
The ongoing conflict thus remains fraught with challenges, as both military operations and the humanitarian crisis unfold amidst calls for both sides to seek resolution.
