Israeli air strikes result in the deaths of 28 people, reports indicate, close to a hospital in Gaza.
Updated Article:
The brief ceasefire in Israel-Gaza conflict, following the release of 21-year-old Israeli-American Edan Alexander, didn't last long as new attacks resumed. Monday's pause was overshadowed by growing criticism of Israel's strategies in the ongoing war.
Gaza's civil defense agency reported at least 28 deaths in Israeli strikes on Tuesday, around the European hospital in Khan Yunis. Israel claimed they targeted a Hamas "command and control centre." AFP TV footage showed substantial craters on the ground and a damaged bus lodged in one hole. The chaos within the hospital left patients, wounded individuals, and others in a state of fear.
Earlier, the military mentioned striking Hamas militants at Nasser Hospital, also in Khan Yunis, resulting in two fatalities, including journalist Hassan Aslih, as per Gaza’s health ministry. Israel accused Aslih of involvement in Hamas's October 7, 2023 attacks.
Netanyahu announced Israel's intent to continue the operation with "full force" to vanquish Hamas. UN relief chief Tom Fletcher called upon the UN Security Council to prevent genocide in Gaza and enforce respect for international humanitarian law. These pleas were echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who condemned Netanyahu's actions as shameful.
Israel continues to bombard Gaza, justifying its actions as a means to free hostages. The renewed offensive has claimed more than 52,900 Palestinian lives, mostly civilians, since the 2023 attack according to Hamas-run health ministry data. There are still 57 hostages, including 34 declared dead by the Israeli army, in Hamas custody. Human Rights Watch has strongly criticized Israel's planned demolition of civilian infrastructure and mass displacement as acts of ethnic cleansing and genocide.
Contrary to Netanyahu's claims, Hamas has revealed it has been in discussions with the United States to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu acknowledged President Trump’s assistance in securing Alexander's release and planned to send negotiators to Qatar on Tuesday to discuss the remaining captives.
Amid worsening humanitarian conditions and widespread international condemnation, Israel is reportedly seeking countries willing to accept Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. Israeli ministers have expressed interest in implementing Donald Trump's earlier proposal encouraging Gazans to voluntarily leave for neighbouring countries like Jordan or Egypt, though these nations have declined the offer.
Background Insights:
- The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate with the greatest humanitarian crisis since the October 2023 hostilities. Over half a million Palestinians are facing catastrophic hunger and malnutrition, with children being especially impacted. The blockade enforced by Israel has caused severe shortages of essential supplies[1][3][4].
- Human Rights Watch has decried Israeli plans to devastate civilian infrastructure and relocate the population as potentially leading to ethnic cleansing and acts of genocide[1]. UN agencies report critical shortages of medical supplies and food, with deadly consequences for the civilian population[4].
- French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Israeli actions in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, calling them shameful.
- The renewed Israeli offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 52,900 Palestinians, mostly civilians, since the 2023 attack, according to Hamas-run health ministry data.
- Despite Netanyahu's claims, Hamas has been in discussions with the United States to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza.
- Israel is reportedly seeking countries willing to accept Palestinians from the Gaza Strip amid worsening humanitarian conditions and widespread international condemnation.
