Israel’s Military Strikes Kill at Least 12 Palestinians in Gaza Strip
Israeli strikes killed at least 12 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, mostly women and children, officials said Wednesday, as the nearly 15-month conflict ground on into the new year.
One strike hit a home in the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza, the most isolated and heavily destroyed part of the territory, where Israel has waged a major operation since early October. The Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry said seven people were killed, including a woman and four children, and at least a dozen other people were wounded.
Another strike overnight in the built-up Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza killed a woman and a child, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which received the bodies.
"Are you celebrating? Enjoy as we die. For a year and a half, we have been dying," said a man carrying the body of a child in the flashing lights of emergency vehicles.
Story continues below advertisement
Israel’s military said militants fired rockets at Israel from the Bureij area overnight and that its forces responded with a strike targeting a militant. The military also issued evacuation orders for the area.
A third strike in the southern city of Khan Younis killed three people, according to Nasser Hospital and the European Hospital, which received the bodies.
The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and abducting around 250. About 100 hostages are still held in Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead.
Background
Israel’s air and ground offensive has killed over 45,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry. It says women and children make up more than half the dead but does not say how many of those killed were militants.
The Israeli military says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because its fighters operate in dense residential areas. The army says it has killed 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.
Conclusion
The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has caused widespread destruction and displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million, many of them multiple times. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with many displaced Palestinians relying on charity kitchens as their sole food provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current situation in the Gaza Strip?
A: The Gaza Strip is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, with widespread destruction and displacement. The conflict has killed over 45,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children.
Q: Who is responsible for the civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip?
A: The Israeli military says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because its fighters operate in dense residential areas.
Q: What is the humanitarian situation like in Gaza?
A: The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with many displaced Palestinians relying on charity kitchens as their sole food provider. The conflict has also caused widespread destruction and displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s population.
About The Author
