BREAKING: Israeli air strikes have just killed five people and injured 18 others in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, local health authorities report. The attacks occurred amid escalating tensions as both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of breaching a fragile ceasefire that has lasted nearly six weeks.
The devastating strikes targeted a house in Bani Suhaila, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a baby girl, and injuring 15 others. A second strike in the nearby town of Abassan killed one man and wounded three more. According to officials at Nasser Hospital, a fifth victim succumbed to injuries from gunfire shortly thereafter.
Earlier in the week, Israeli forces retaliated against Hamas, claiming that militants had fired upon their troops. This counter-attack led to at least 25 fatalities in Gaza, marking one of the highest tolls since October 29, when over 100 people were reported killed. Hamas condemned these actions as a “dangerous escalation” and has called for intervention from Arab mediators, including Turkey and the United States, who facilitated the original ceasefire agreement.
In a troubling development, Hamas officials accused Israel of altering territorial markings in Shejaia, east of Gaza City, moving yellow barricades that define areas still under Israeli control. Residents expressed disbelief at the notion of a ceasefire, with one local, Akram Iswair, stating, “They say there is a ceasefire but I doubt this. Day by day, they say there is a ceasefire, this is completely untrue.”
The humanitarian impact of these strikes has been severe. In the Zeitoun suburb, where at least ten people were killed in a building previously sheltering displaced families, residents are now sifting through the rubble. Rescue workers are scrambling to locate any survivors amid the destruction.
The October 10 ceasefire had previously provided a glimmer of hope, allowing many Palestinians to return to their homes in Gaza. Israel had begun to withdraw troops from urban areas, and humanitarian aid had been flowing into the enclave. However, the recent violence threatens to unravel these advancements.
In a concurrent effort to stabilize the region, over 60 delegations convened in Brussels on Thursday to discuss reconstruction and governance in Gaza, focusing on reforms necessary for the Palestinian Authority (PA) to play a pivotal role in post-war recovery. The European Union, a major financial supporter of the PA, is advocating for effective governance in Gaza while planning to train 3,000 Palestinian police officers to maintain security.
The urgency of the situation is palpable as international leaders grapple with the ongoing crisis. The EU’s commitment to recruit from a pool of about 7,000 Gazan police officers emphasizes the need for reform in the PA, which continues to seek a more substantial role in Gaza’s future. French officials have pledged support, indicating a willingness to send 100 police officers for the training initiative.
As violence escalates, the world watches closely for further developments. The potential for renewed chaos in Gaza raises critical questions about the future of peace in the region and the effectiveness of international mediation efforts. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
