An airstrike on a tent inside Al-Aqsa Hospital compound killed five and injured 18, according to Gaza health officials
GAZA: On Sunday, an Israeli airstrike targeted a tent within the Al-Aqsa Hospital compound in central Gaza, resulting in at least five deaths and injuring eighteen others, according to Gaza health officials. The strike ignited a fire at the site in Deir Al-Balah, an area heavily populated by individuals displaced by ongoing conflict. The Israeli military claimed the airstrike was aimed at a fighter involved in “terror activities,” noting secondary explosions that allegedly indicated the presence of weapons.
In a broader escalation, Israeli forces have struck 50 military targets across Gaza in the past 24 hours, including fighters’ cells. The region affected by Sunday’s strike was already under significant strain, housing many displaced individuals. In additional attacks, three Palestinians were killed when an Israeli missile hit a house in Deir Al-Balah, eight people died in strikes on Jabalia camp, and three more were killed in a separate incident involving a car. Palestinian media reported that residents attempted to extinguish the fire at the tent encampment using limited resources.
This surge in violence follows unsuccessful ceasefire talks in Cairo and increased tensions following the assassination of senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the killing of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, both of which have been attributed to Israeli actions. Both Hamas and Hezbollah have vowed retaliation, further intensifying the conflict. International pressure continues to mount for a ceasefire to end the violence. Gaza health officials report that at least 39,550 Palestinians have been killed since the onset of the Israeli military campaign.
Negotiations for a ceasefire are stalled, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas officials at an impasse over terms. U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed frustration over the stalled negotiations and urged Netanyahu to reach an agreement. Diplomatic efforts remain strained amidst the ongoing violence and political disagreements.
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