Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza Leave at Least 11 Dead
Israeli forces carried out airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, leaving at least 11 Palestinians dead, according to health authorities in the territory, with varying accounts on the exact death toll. The Israeli military classified these actions as a response to alleged violations of the ceasefire by Hamas.
Background
The death toll in Gaza has reached 600 since a ceasefire was signed in October, with Israel having violated the ceasefire more than 1,600 times, as reported by Al Jazeera English. These recent killings add to the growing tally since the ceasefire. According to Israeli sources, these strikes were in response to Hamas' truce violations.
Details of the Strikes
The strikes targeted various areas across the Gaza Strip. According to medics, an Israeli airstrike on a tent encampment housing displaced families west of Jabalia in northern Gaza, killed at least four people, while another strike killed five in Khan Younis in the south. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported a similar death toll for the strike on the tent encampment.
Le Monde reported that one of these strikes targeted a tent housing displaced persons at dawn in the Jabaliya sector, resulting in five deaths. Another strike also caused five deaths in Khan Younès, in the south of the territory.
The Guardian, as well as the South China Morning Post, reported a higher death toll of 12 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip. BBC News and Al Jazeera English reported a death toll of at least 11 and nine respectively. Meanwhile, The Times of Israel reported 12 deaths, including a senior Islamic Jihad commander.
Reactions and Implications
There are varying reports about the number of casualties. From Al Jazeera English, The Guardian, to the South China Morning Post, the reported death tolls range from nine to 12.
The airstrikes came ahead of a 'Board of Peace' meeting, as reported by Middle East Eye. This recent escalation could potentially impact the discussions and overall peace process.
Current Status
As of now, it remains to be seen how this recent escalation will impact the ceasefire and the ongoing peace process. The situation in Gaza remains tense with the Israeli military on high alert and the Palestinian population coping with the aftermath of the airstrikes. The international community awaits the next steps in the peace process amidst these ceasefire violations.