At least 34 Palestinians, including women, children, a
journalist, and civil defence officials, have been killed and dozens injured in
intensified Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling targeting homes, tents,
schools, and displacement camps across the Gaza Strip. The strikes come amid
ongoing conflict following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and
increasing international calls to end the blockade and humanitarian crisis in
Gaza.
What happened in the latest Israeli airstrikes on Gaza?
As reported by Anadolu Agency on Sunday, medical sources
confirmed that at least 34 Palestinians were killed and many more injured
across Gaza in several Israeli military strikes targeting displaced families,
homes, and shelters in different neighbourhoods including Beit Hanoun, GazaCity, Khan Younis, and Deir al-Balah.
Fifteen people died when Israeli forces raided the Khalil
Oweida School in Izbat Abd Rabbo, a displacement camp in Beit Hanoun, following
an hours-long siege amid heavy gunfire and artillery shelling. In the northern Gaza neighborhood of al-Nafaq, a house was struck killing five people. Another
attack on a home in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighbourhood killed three, while seven
were killed in Sheikh Radwan after an Israeli strike on a house.
Additionally, Israeli artillery in Beit Hanoun killed a
family of four, and a tent sheltering displaced civilians in Deir al-Balah was
bombed, injuring eight and killing others, including a pregnant woman in
Nuseirat refugee camp. A drone attack hit a gathering in the al-Karama
neighbourhood, claiming one life, and another attack killed a person in Tal
al-Hawa.
Who were among the casualties reported?
Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza Civil Defence,
confirmed that the dead included a journalist Hassan Abu Warda and an official
of the Civil Defense, Ashraf Abu Nar, who was killed along with his wife at
their home. The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, also reported clashes
with Israeli forces resulting in casualties on both sides.
How has Israel responded or justified the strikes?
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) described their ongoing
operations in northern Gaza, including in Jabalia and Beit Lahia, as targeting
"terrorist sites" to prevent Hamas from regrouping and stressed their
efforts to evacuate civilians from combat zones. The IDF issued evacuation
warnings for parts of central Gaza, indicating plans to employ intensive
firepower against locations used for launching rockets into Israel.
What is the broader context of this conflict and its humanitarian impact?
This wave of violence follows the Hamas-led incursion into
southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 Israelis and resulted
in 251 kidnappings. Since then, the conflict has escalated, with Gaza suffering
tremendous casualties; according to Hamas-run health authorities, over 53,000
Gazans have been killed, mostly civilians, though these numbers cannot be
independently verified.
The United Nations and human rights groups have reported
mass displacement, food and water shortages, with approximately 90% of Gaza’s
population displaced. The UN has stated that around 79% of Gaza is under
evacuation orders issued by Israel. Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of
war crimes for forcing mass displacement. The International Criminal Court has
issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other
officials over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
How are the international community and political figures reacting to the crisis?
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the
blockade and restrictions on aid to Gaza as "unacceptable," stating
that withholding supplies to people in need is "outrageous" and
urging Israel to lift the blockade. The Australian Foreign Minister and
counterparts from over 20 countries have called for an immediate full
resumption of aid deliveries to Gaza.
The International Committee of the Red Cross reported the
killing of two Palestinian staff members in Israeli strikes on their homes in
Khan Younis. Various Arab leaders have demanded a ceasefire and rejected the
displacement of Palestinians.
What are the recent developments on the ground?
Recent Israeli strikes have caused significant destruction
in Beit Lahia and Jabalia, with buildings reduced to rubble and widespread
civilian reluctance to evacuate despite the violence. In Jabalia, a strike
killed at least 25 people, including 13 children. The ground offensive in
northern Gaza has displaced around 130,000 people over five weeks.
The conflict continues to intensify with Israeli forces
warning of more operations aiming to dismantle Hamas capabilities in Gaza.
Palestinian rocket fire towards Israel has been intercepted by air defences,
with limited damage reported on the Israeli side.
What legal and humanitarian challenges is the conflict facing?
The Gaza conflict is under scrutiny by international legal
bodies. The ICC's issuance of arrest warrants points to potential war crimes,
and the International Court of Justice is also hearing a genocide case against
Israel's actions in Gaza. The blockade and bombardment have fostered a dire
humanitarian crisis, with global institutions condemning the suffering and
restrictions imposed on aid delivery.