Israeli Fire Kills 20 in Gaza City as Crowds Wait for Aid, Death Toll Rises in Shelter Strike: Latest Updates
Gaza City was struck by Israeli fire on Thursday, resulting in the death of at least 20 people and leaving 150 wounded. The attack occurred at a roundabout where a crowd of people were waiting for humanitarian aid. The Israeli military has stated that it is investigating the reports. This incident follows a strike on a crowded shelter in Gaza the day before, which resulted in 12 deaths and over 75 wounded. The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, reported that the strike occurred in a shelter housing thousands of displaced Palestinians in the southern city of Khan Younis. The Israeli military has ruled out the possibility that the strike was carried out by its aircraft or artillery, suggesting that it may have been caused by a Hamas rocket.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to dire conditions in Gaza. The fighting in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis has isolated its two main hospitals, leaving hundreds of patients and thousands of displaced people stranded inside. A third hospital was evacuated overnight, with women who had just undergone cesarean sections among the patients who departed. The destruction caused by the offensive has raised concerns about the ability of Palestinians who fled to return to their homes in northern Gaza. Additionally, the north has been cut off from humanitarian aid, further exacerbating the crisis.
Cease-fire efforts for the Israel-Hamas war have gained steam, but an agreement still appears elusive. Qatar, a key mediator in sensitive Israel-Hamas talks, has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his remarks. Meanwhile, a freed Israeli hostage has revealed that she met with Hamas’ leader in a tunnel where she was kept in dire conditions.
In a significant development, South Africa has filed a case at the United Nations’ top court accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed support for South Africa’s case and stated that Turkey will work to ensure that Israel receives the punishment it deserves. Israel has rejected the filing and asked the court to throw out the case.
In the midst of the conflict, the first group of Palestinian children has arrived in Italy for medical treatment. The Italian Defense Ministry has announced that a total of 100 children will be transferred to Italy for medical care. The children arrived on an Italian air force plane from Egypt, and others will follow on the Italian naval ship Vulcano. The details of the children’s conditions have not been provided.
Israeli singer and actor Idan Amedi, known for his role in the popular series “Fauda,” is being released from the hospital after being seriously wounded while laying explosives to destroy a tunnel in central Gaza. Amedi, who has been on reserve duty in the Israeli military since Hamas launched its attack on southern Israel, expressed his determination to return to singing, acting, and fighting for his country.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with a high death toll and widespread destruction. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has appealed to Netanyahu for an immediate cease-fire and is set to visit Qatar to push for more aid to reach Gaza. The United Kingdom, a strong ally of Israel, has become increasingly critical of its conduct in the war against Hamas. Cameron emphasized the need for a humanitarian pause to allow aid in and hostages out, followed by a sustainable cease-fire without a return to hostilities.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with devastating consequences for the people of Gaza. Efforts for a cease-fire are ongoing, but the situation remains unstable. The international community must continue to pressure both sides to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians and work towards a peaceful resolution.