Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Result in Numerous Deaths, Primarily Children
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have caused significant civilian casualties, with reports suggesting that the majority of those killed are children. The southern city of Khan Younis has been heavily targeted, marking a significant escalation of airstrikes in the region.
Nasser hospital in Khan Younis has confirmed the receipt of 26 deceased individuals and 23 severely injured following a strike on a residential building in Hamad city. The Israeli military has been consistently bombarding northern Gaza for the past 42 days, urging residents to seek refuge in the south.
The airstrike on Khan Younis follows warnings to Palestinians in the southern city to relocate west, indicating an imminent attack. Tragically, the death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 12,000, with a majority being women and children.
Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest hospital in Gaza City, has been ordered to evacuate by Israeli troops. The United Nations estimated that over 2,300 individuals, including patients, staff, and displaced Palestinians, sought shelter at al-Shifa before Israeli troops entered. However, due to power cuts caused by fuel shortages, numerous deaths have been reported in the hospital.
Israel has repeatedly called for the hospital to be evacuated to the south, but medical professionals argue that this is not feasible. Hospital director Mohammed Abu Salmiya revealed that Israeli troops have instructed the evacuation of patients, wounded individuals, displaced Palestinians, and medical staff, directing them to move on foot towards the seafront.
In addition to the attacks in Gaza, violence has also erupted in the West Bank. An Israeli airstrike targeted a building in a refugee camp in Nablus, resulting in the deaths of at least five Palestinians and several injuries. The strike hit the local headquarters of the Palestinian Fatah resistance movement. Meanwhile, clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in Tubas led to the death of an 18-year-old Palestinian and injuries to two others.
Israeli forces have also reported the killing of two young Palestinians in the southern part of the occupied West Bank. The Israeli military claimed that the pair opened fire on Israeli troops, prompting a fatal retaliation.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has intensified since the launch of the Al-Aqsa Storm operation by Palestinian resistance movements. The indiscriminate targeting of hospitals, residences, and places of worship by Israeli forces has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the violence continues, with innocent civilians, especially children, bearing the brunt of the conflict. Efforts to halt the hostilities and resume peace negotiations are urgently needed to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
