Israeli Forces Launch Deadly Attacks in Gaza Strip

Israeli forces carried out a series of deadly attacks in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, striking various locations from north to south. Palestinian officials, media, and eyewitnesses reported strikes on a refugee camp, a hospital, and a residential area.

High Casualties in Jabalia Refugee Camp and Shehab Family Home:

Israeli strikes on the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza resulted in the death of 90 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry spokesman. 

Another missile attack on the Shehab family home claimed the lives of 24 people, including the son of Dawoud Shehab, a spokesperson for a Hamas ally.

In Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, 12 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded. Meanwhile, an air strike in Rafah, in the south, left at least four people dead. 

Israeli military operations in Khan Younis targeted militants, with a tank shell hitting the maternity building of Nasser Hospital, resulting in the death of a 13-year-old girl who had already lost family members and a leg in a previous shelling incident.

Intensity of Israeli Fire Hinders Rescue Efforts:

Rescue efforts faced significant challenges due to the intensity of Israeli fire, particularly in the Shehab family home. Medics reported difficulties in reaching victims trapped under rubble.

Despite the ongoing conflict, hopes for a ceasefire and hostage releases emerged over the weekend. Israel’s spy chief reportedly spoke with the prime minister of Qatar, a previous mediator in such negotiations. 

Egypt, another mediator, indicated that both Israel and Hamas were open to a renewed ceasefire, although disagreements persisted on implementation.

Humanitarian Aid Amidst Conflict:

In a positive development, the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and Gaza opened for aid trucks, doubling the amount of food and medicine reaching Gazans. This move aimed to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Israeli authorities expressed determination to continue their military operations to dismantle Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2006 and remains committed to Israel’s destruction.

International Response and Diplomatic Efforts:

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, currently in Kuwait, is expected to visit Israel for meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials. 

The international community closely watches regional developments, urging diplomatic solutions to end the escalating violence.