Israeli Strikes in Gaza: Over 70 Killed in 24 Hours, Including Journalists and Aid Seekers
In a recent escalation of conflict, Israeli forces have reportedly killed at least 71 Palestinians across Gaza within a 24-hour span, according to the territory’s Health Ministry. The victims include journalists, aid seekers, and even a renowned athlete. The situation has been characterized by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights as genocide.
Background and Context
For nearly two years, the Israeli offensive on Hamas has led to a grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with reports of famine in the region. The situation has worsened with Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich vowing to block any humanitarian supplies, adding to the collective punishment faced by Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
Key Developments
Twelve Palestinians were killed while waiting for aid, and at least one child died after Israeli air strikes targeted a family home in the Bureij camp in Northern Gaza. Meanwhile, in southern Gaza, Israeli forces killed five Palestinians who were waiting for aid, including international athlete Allam Abdullah al-Amour.
The Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis was also targeted by Israeli forces, resulting in 22 deaths. This included medical staff and five journalists working for various news outlets. Video footage reveals that the attack on the hospital involved a tactic known as “double-tap” strike, where strikes are launched in rapid succession to target rescuers and journalists arriving at the scene.
Reportedly, new video footage reveals three strikes on Nasser Hospital, not two, with the second strike consisting of two near-simultaneous attacks. This second “tap” caused most of the deaths.
Global Reactions
The escalation of violence has drawn international condemnation. The Pope has called for an end to the 'collective punishment' and forced displacement of Gazans, urging for humanitarian law to be respected and for the entry of aid into the Strip. The famine determination by the world’s leading authority on food crises has galvanized governments and aid groups to intensify pleas for Israel to halt its offensive on Gaza.
Conclusion
As the violence intensifies, the humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza. A mother from Gaza’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood describes the terrifying nightly attacks: “It feels like dozens of rockets hitting at the same time... The fear is worse at night, the sound louder. Every blast shakes the house and our lives…”
The situation remains dire, with the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. As the world watches, urgent calls for peace and humanitarian aid continue to echo in the international community.