Post by : Rameen Ariff

Israeli airstrikes across southern and central Gaza have tragically claimed the lives of at least eight Palestinians, comprising two children, with over 20 others injured, local health officials and emergency responders report.

The strikes targeted areas in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, where multiple tents accommodating displaced families were struck.

Casualties in Khan Younis Airstrike

In the Al-Mawasi region of Khan Younis, a strike hit a tent after residents received prior warning. Officials at Nasser Hospital indicated that a 23-year-old woman and her 1-year-old daughter lost their lives due to the attack.

Additionally, another strike in nearby Qarara resulted in the death of a 31-year-old man, who had recently married and left a pregnant wife behind, according to hospital authorities.

In another incident along the coast of Khan Younis, a tent sheltering displaced families was hit, leading to two fatalities and injuring 13 others. The injured were subsequently transferred to a field hospital run by the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Deir al-Balah Drone Strike Claims Three Lives

A drone strike in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, resulted in the deaths of three Palestinians, including an 8-year-old boy and his grandfather, said medical officials.

Hospital officials at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital identified the deceased as Hassan al-Hanagra and his grandson Malik Abu Shawish, noting that the young child was visiting his mother's tent when the strike struck. His mother was among seven individuals reported injured.

The Israeli military stated that the strike aimed at a militant but did not disclose the individual’s identity or confirm if the target was eliminated.

Israeli Forces Claim Targeting Militants

The Israeli military confirmed that a separate airstrike on Sunday killed Zaher Abu Salem, identified as a member of Palestinian Islamic Jihad linked to the October 7 attacks.

On the previous day, strikes across Gaza reportedly killed four individuals, including a 13-year-old girl, Eileen al-Farra, who succumbed to injuries from Israeli tank shelling shrapnel.

Impact on Civilians Since Ceasefire

Gaza health officials report that despite a ceasefire declaration in October, Israeli forces continue their near-daily strikes. They claim that since the ceasefire began, 1,045 Palestinians have died, including over 360 women and children.

Israel maintains that it is specifically targeting militants viewed as threats to its military, currently maintaining control over more than 60% of Gaza. According to the Israeli military, five Israeli soldiers have been killed by militant actions since the ceasefire went into effect.

Teen Death in West Bank Incident Near Ramallah

In a separate event, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy from Jerusalem during an Israeli raid near Ramallah.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society mentioned efforts to resuscitate Amir Jaber before he was transported to a hospital. Two others sustained injuries in a different raid near Hebron.

The Israeli military has not provided comments regarding this incident yet.

Death Toll Since Start of Gaza Conflict

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 73,000 Palestinians have died since the onset of the conflict in October 2023, including those who have perished after the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel states that the Hamas-led assault on October 7 took approximately 1,200 lives and resulted in the capture of 251 hostages taken into Gaza.

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