The conflict between Israel and Gaza has entered another violent chapter as Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 16 Palestinians, including children, following rocket attacks fired from Gaza. The rockets are part of a wider surge in hostilities, with tensions escalating amid ongoing military operations in the northern Gaza Strip.
On Friday, three rockets were launched from Gaza, with one landing near the Israeli community of Nir Am. The other two landed in uninhabited areas, and despite initial fears, no injuries were reported in Israel. However, the situation in Gaza has turned dire, with airstrikes claiming the lives of 16 people, including multiple children, in various locations including Gaza City, Maghazi, and Rafah.
Rockets Fired from Gaza Amid Israeli Retaliation
Friday’s rocket launches come after months of relatively quiet periods in the Gaza-Israel conflict. However, the violence has intensified once more since late December as Israel has expanded its offensive in northern Gaza. The Israeli military reported that the rockets fell close to several Israeli communities, including Nir Am and Beeri, both near Gaza’s northeastern edge. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries in Israel.
But the situation on the ground in Gaza is catastrophic. Palestinian rescuers and first responders reported that the Israeli airstrikes were widespread, targeting several areas and killing at least 16 Palestinians. Among the dead were three children, killed in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighbourhood due to ongoing shelling.
The impact of these airstrikes is severe, with local spokesperson Mahmud Bassal stating, “Friday was a harsh day for the residents of Gaza,” especially in Gaza City, where bombings continued throughout the day.
What’s Behind the Renewed Escalation?
The latest escalation is part of a larger, ongoing conflict that has raged on for over 14 months. Rocket attacks from Gaza had become rare in the past months, but the situation changed dramatically after Israel initiated a large-scale operation in northern Gaza. The Israeli government has made it clear that it will retaliate if rocket fire continues, with Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warning of even more intense strikes if the situation worsens.
The Israeli military has claimed that it targeted Hamas positions in Gaza, describing them as “terrorist gathering points.” Over the past 24 hours, the air force reported hitting approximately 40 such targets, some of which were located in areas that previously housed schools. These strikes are part of Israel’s broader military strategy in Gaza, targeting locations tied to Hamas, the militant group controlling the Gaza Strip.
Strikes on Gaza: A Day of Destruction
The deadly airstrikes took place across multiple cities and refugee camps in Gaza. Apart from Gaza City, which bore the brunt of the bombardment, the Maghazi refugee camp and the southern city of Rafah were also struck, leaving widespread damage and loss of life.
Bassal, the spokesman for Gaza’s Civil Defence, reported that several of the casualties were children. Three children were killed in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighbourhood, where Israeli shelling decimated buildings and infrastructure. The deadly airstrikes also killed two people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
The Humanitarian Crisis: Gaza’s Struggle
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire. Bassal has raised alarm about the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia, a key medical facility in northern Gaza, stating that it has been severely damaged and is now “just a pile of rubble.”
Despite these claims, Israel’s military has denied targeting the hospital, arguing that it had not struck the facility or its essential infrastructure. The military also stated that it was coordinating with hospital officials to ensure that humanitarian supplies could be delivered. However, Bassal contradicted these assertions, accusing Israeli forces of preventing medical supplies from reaching the facility and obstructing aid to the injured.
UN Investigations and Claims of Hospital Use by Hamas
The dispute over the Indonesian Hospital illustrates the complexity of the ongoing conflict. Israel has frequently accused Hamas of using hospitals and other civilian sites for military purposes, but these claims remain controversial and unproven. A recent report by the United Nations Human Rights Office noted that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate Israel’s claims of military use of hospitals in Gaza. The international community continues to scrutinise Israel’s military tactics in the region, with human rights groups calling for greater accountability.
The Siege on Gaza: Civilian Impact and International Concerns
Since October 6, Israel has imposed a strict siege on northern Gaza as part of its broader military strategy. This siege has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with civilians facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. According to Bassal, around 10,000 people remain in Gaza’s northern towns of Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun, a dramatic reduction from the 150,000 to 200,000 inhabitants before the conflict.
UN officials have raised concerns that Israel’s actions in Gaza’s north appear to be aimed at permanently displacing the local population, possibly in preparation for future annexation. These claims, which have drawn international condemnation, add to the growing criticism of Israel’s conduct during the conflict.
The Death Toll: Gaza’s Suffering Continues
The toll of the ongoing war has been catastrophic for Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel’s military operations have led to at least 45,658 deaths in Gaza, with the majority of those killed being women and children. These numbers are considered reliable by the United Nations, which has called for immediate ceasefires and humanitarian interventions.
In addition to the escalating violence in Gaza, the Israeli military also reported that it had shot down a missile and drone launched from Yemen. The Houthi rebels, an Iran-backed group, have been increasingly targeting Israel with missile strikes, further complicating the already volatile situation in the region.
The Way Forward: What’s Next for Gaza?
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza shows no sign of abating. Both sides continue to escalate the violence, leading to more civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The international community remains divided on how best to address the situation, with calls for peace talks and humanitarian aid growing louder.
For Gaza, the priority remains the protection of civilians and the provision of humanitarian assistance. As long as the violence continues, the suffering of innocent people will only worsen, underscoring the urgent need for a lasting resolution to this decades-long conflict.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- Gaza Health Ministry Gaza Health Ministry
- Hamas and Gaza’s Militancy Hamas
- United Nations Reports UN Reports on Gaza
Photo credit: Mint