In a stark escalation of violence, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that Israeli airstrikes in the Palestinian territory on Thursday resulted in the deaths of at least 13 individuals, including five children, despite a purported ceasefire that has ostensibly curtailed hostilities.
The tragic toll began early in the day when a drone strike targeted a tent housing displaced individuals in southern Gaza, claiming the lives of four people, including three children, according to agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal. The situation in northern Gaza was similarly grim, with an 11-year-old girl reported killed near the Jabalia refugee camp. Additionally, a strike on a school resulted in one fatality, while a drone attack near Khan Yunis left another man dead.
The agency, which operates under Hamas authority, detailed that two additional fatalities, including another child, occurred in separate attacks throughout the day. Late Thursday evening marked another tragedy as four more lives were lost in an Israeli airstrike that hit a house in eastern Gaza City. Rescue efforts subsequently commenced to locate several individuals who remained unaccounted for.
Asserting the severity of the situation, Bassal stated, “The death toll has risen to 13 as a result of Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip since this morning in a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement.” This assertion came amidst a broader context of violence in the region.
In a statement released Friday morning, the Israeli military defended its actions, claiming to have “precisely struck Hamas terrorists and terror infrastructure” in response to what they described as a “failed projectile” launch from Gaza. They went on to argue that this launch constituted a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire, which has been somewhat fragile since it was brokered by the United States on October 10, was intended to halt the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas. However, both sides have accused each other of numerous violations since its inception. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem criticized the Israeli strikes on Thursday, describing them as a clear indication of the Israeli occupation’s disregard for the ceasefire commitment.
Citing reports from Gaza’s health ministry, it has been noted that Israeli forces have killed at least 425 Palestinians in the region since the ceasefire took effect. Additionally, November 22 registered one of the deadliest days during this period, with at least 21 individuals losing their lives due to Israeli airstrikes. Conversely, the Israeli military reported that three of its soldiers have been killed by militants during the same timeframe, underscoring the ongoing cycle of violence.
