The attack, coming amidst a backdrop of humanitarian challenges and previous ceasefire attempts, has drawn international condemnation.
Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Claims 29 Lives, Leaves Over 60 Injured
Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Claims 29 Lives, Leaves Over 60 Injured
An Israeli airstrike targeted a residential building, further escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict.
At least 29 Palestinians lost their lives and more than 60 others were injured in an Israeli airstrike that struck a residential building in the Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City early Tuesday morning, according to local medical sources. The strike targeted the area near al-Hawashi mosque, reflecting the intensified military operations in the region. Among the deceased were eight children, and rescue teams are still searching for approximately two dozen individuals believed to be trapped under debris.
The Israeli military stated that the airstrike was aimed at a "senior Hamas terrorist" implicated in orchestrating assaults in the region. They emphasized that multiple precautions were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precision munitions. However, they also accused Hamas of breaching international laws by utilizing civilians as human shields, which has been a point of contention throughout the conflict.
Eyewitness accounts describe the aftermath of the excruciating strike. Ayub Salim, a local resident, recounted the horrific scene of "multiple missiles" raining down, sending shrapnel in various directions and resulting in mass chaos and destruction. "Dust filled the air and screams echoed everywhere. It was a true massacre," he declared. Hamas officials echoed similar sentiments, labeling the assault a "bloody massacre."
The Israeli offensive has led to significant displacement, with many residents fleeing the area after military officials ordered evacuations, citing ongoing operations against alleged terrorist infrastructure. Reports indicate that since the resumption of hostilities on March 18, a staggering 1,482 deaths have been recorded, alongside the displacement of 390,000 people as access to humanitarian aid remains severely curtailed.
The United Nations has raised alarms over the dire humanitarian situation resulting from the blockade, which has substantially escalated civilian suffering. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the Israeli blockade as a violation of international law, asserting it has unleashed an "endless cycle of horror" on the civilian population. The Israeli foreign ministry dismissed Guterres’ assertions, insisting that humanitarian aid continues to flow into Gaza, albeit amidst allegations that Hamas misappropriates such assistance for its military agenda.
Recent statements from six UN humanitarian organizations dispute the Israeli claim of adequate food supplies for Gaza's populace, calling for the protection of civilians, the facilitation of humanitarian aid, and the urgent release of hostages held by Hamas. As attempts to revive a previously established ceasefire continue, tensions remain high, with both sides blaming each other for the collapse of negotiations.
The ongoing conflict has brought untold suffering, punctuated by the traumatic experiences of civilians caught in the crossfire. The Israeli military launched its current campaign following a significant cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostage situations, thereby exacerbating an already volatile situation in the region.
