Escalating Violence in Gaza: Israeli Air Strikes Cause Multiple Casualties
Recent Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least 15 Palestinians, with many of the victims being women and children. The attacks targeted various locations, including schools used as shelters for displaced people, leading to a significant number of casualties and injuries.
Targeted Areas and Civilian Impact
According to Al Jazeera's correspondent, three Israeli raids specifically targeted two shelter schools affiliated with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Beach Camp, Al-Daraj neighborhood, and Al-Shujaiya in Gaza City. These strikes led to multiple deaths and injuries, predominantly affecting women and children. Civil defense crews also recovered five martyrs, including three children and a woman, from a house in Al-Maghazi camp, central Gaza Strip, which had been housing displaced people.
The city of Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip, also faced severe attacks. Air strikes, artillery shelling, and tank fire resulted in two more martyrs and several injuries. A fire that broke out in a residential building in Rafah was extinguished by civil defense crews. In Khan Yunis, another southern city, at least eight Palestinians were killed in a drone raid at the Bani Suhaila roundabout.
International Reactions and Ongoing Conflict
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been conducting a devastating war on Gaza, with strong support from the United States. This conflict has left more than 123,000 people dead or injured and thousands missing. Despite two UN Security Council resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire and orders from the International Court of Justice to end the invasion of Rafah and prevent acts of genocide, Israel continues its military operations.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the recent air strike near Gaza City targeted a site previously used by UNRWA but allegedly now occupied by Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants. The IDF claimed to have taken precautionary measures to minimize civilian casualties. Meanwhile, UNRWA is investigating the details of the attack before releasing further information.
- Al Jazeera's correspondent reported that the targeted areas included the Beach Camp, Al-Daraj neighborhood, and Al-Shujaiya in Gaza City. Civil defense crews worked tirelessly to recover the bodies of the deceased and assist the injured.
- In Rafah, civil defense crews managed to extinguish a fire that broke out in a residential building, which had been hit by Israeli forces. The ongoing conflict has severely impacted the civilian population, with many families losing their homes and loved ones.
- The international community continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid to address the dire situation in Gaza. However, the conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides suffering significant losses.
