Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Leave 7 Dead, Widespread Destruction
Palestinian security and eyewitness sources report that Israeli airstrikes hit several sites in and around Gaza City, killing seven people, including children and an infant, and injuring four others. The strikes also caused extensive destruction to nearby homes and buildings. The incident comes despite a declared ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with the Palestinian Civil Defense confirming the deaths. Hamas has condemned the Israeli bombardment as a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire agreement, calling on mediators to pressure Israel to halt its escalation against civilians.
Key Takeaways:
- Seven Palestinians, including children and an infant, were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for the authorities in Gaza.
- Five people were killed when an Israeli airstrike hit a Tucson-type vehicle on Al-Qassam street in Khan Younis, including children.
- Two people were killed and four others injured when the Israeli army targeted a three-story house belonging to the al-Banna family in the al-Sabra neighborhood in southern Gaza City.
- The strikes caused extensive destruction to nearby homes and buildings, with rescue teams continuing to search for victims under the rubble.
- Hamas condemned the Israeli bombardment as a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire agreement, calling on mediators to pressure Israel to halt its escalation against civilians.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he had instructed the military to carry out "immediate and powerful" strikes in Gaza, following what Israel said were violations of the ceasefire by Hamas.
- The development marked the latest exchanges of blame between Israel and Hamas on Tuesday for ceasefire violations.
Statistics:
- Over 68,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted on October 7, 2023 (Gaza-based health authorities).
- More than 170,000 people have been wounded in Gaza since the onset of the conflict (Gaza-based health authorities).
- Over 68,000 people have been displaced in Gaza since the start of the conflict (Gaza-based health authorities).
- The conflict has resulted in approximately 250 hostages being taken by Hamas (Israel).
- More than 1,200 people were killed in Israel when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023 (Israel).
Sources:
- Palestinian Civil Defense
- Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for the authorities in Gaza (Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas)
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz
- Gaza-based health authorities
- United News of India
- Army Radio (Israeli)