Israeli Airstrike Claims Lives of 18 in Gaza Market Incident

The strike underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where access to aid remains severely limited amid escalating violence.

In a tragic escalation of violence, an Israeli airstrike killed 18 Palestinians in Deir al-Balah on Thursday, according to medical sources and eyewitness accounts. The strike reportedly targeted a Hamas police unit attempting to regulate transactions in a local market, confronting vendors accused of unfair pricing on goods, including those allegedly looted from humanitarian aid trucks.

Casualties from the attack prompted immediate outcry, with the Hamas-run Ministry of Interior denouncing the strike as "a new crime against a police unit focused on maintaining public order." Eyewitness reports detailed a confrontation that ignited chaos as police attempted to enforce fair pricing at the market, resulting in armed vendors drawing weapons in response.

Following the confrontations, Israeli drones conducted the strike, leading to scenes of panic with shoppers fleeing the market as sirens blared. A doctor at Al-Aqsa Hospital confirmed that 18 bodies were received there, though the exact number of police officers among the deceased was unclear.

This incident further complicates an already dire situation for Gazan civilians who struggle to get basic necessities amid daily violence. Reports indicate that shootouts have become common at sites managed by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, where limited supplies are available at inflated prices.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Hamas for allegedly hoarding humanitarian aid, further complicating efforts to deliver necessary relief. As tensions mount, Netanyahu provided the military with a two-day period to develop strategies to counteract what he termed as Hamas's theft of humanitarian supplies.

The conflict’s toll remains devastating. Statistics from Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry indicate over 56,000 fatalities since the onset of the current military campaign, triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7 that resulted in numerous Israeli casualties.

Additionally, humanitarian efforts continue, albeit under severe strain. The World Health Organization announced the arrival of a medical shipment into Gaza, delivering blood and supplies to medical facilities facing critical shortages amid the chaos.

As the situation unfolds, this incident adds to the growing list of casualties, sparking international calls for intervention and renewed dialogue towards de-escalating the conflict.