Israeli military forces launched a severe aerial bombardment across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 Palestinians, among them five children. The attacks targeted multiple locations including displacement tents in Khan Younis, educational facilities converted into shelters in northern Gaza, and residential buildings within the Nuseirat refugee camp and Gaza City.
This military escalation occurs precisely three months after Israel and Hamas formalized a ceasefire agreement designed to terminate hostilities and alleviate the humanitarian siege. Despite this accord, documentation indicates Israel has committed nearly 1,200 violations over the past three months, encompassing airstrikes, artillery shelling, and home demolitions that have collectively claimed 439 Palestinian lives. The longstanding blockade remains predominantly enforced, with border crossings persistently closed and critical humanitarian aid severely constrained.
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, confirmed to Anadolu Agency that assistance efforts “is still not at scale,” describing inadequate living conditions where populations reside in non-waterproof tents and suffer from comprehensive deprivation of basic necessities.
Hamas authorities issued a formal condemnation of Thursday’s operations, alleging Israeli violation of the truce agreement and deliberate obstruction of the US-supported transition plan for Gaza. The group appealed to international mediators and guaranteeing nations to denounce these actions, which they attribute to Israeli leadership under false pretenses.
Israel’s military justification cited a reportedly failed projectile launch from Gaza City that allegedly fell within Palestinian territory, though no substantiating evidence was provided. The military stated its strikes specifically targeted Hamas infrastructure and combatants.
Among the victims was 11-year-old Hamsa Nidal Hawso, whose uncle expressed profound anguish to local media, questioning the continued violence despite the supposed ceasefire. According to Palestinian health authorities, Israeli military operations since October 2023 have resulted in over 71,400 Palestinian fatalities, including at least 20,000 children.