Israel continues to strike Gaza and block entry of tents despite truce deal

The Israeli military has intensified its operations across the Gaza Strip, conducting aerial strikes, artillery fire, and building demolitions despite plummeting temperatures and a severe lack of shelter for displaced Palestinians. Since Sunday night, attacks have been concentrated in Khan Younis, south of the besieged enclave, and Gaza City, resulting in civilian casualties. On Monday morning, Israeli aircraft targeted eastern Khan Younis, while heavy artillery shelling struck al-Khansaa School and surrounding areas in Abasan al-Kabira. Simultaneously, Israeli forces launched attacks on Rafah, killing at least two Palestinians. Explosions echoed through Gaza City as Israeli troops continued demolitions, targeting residential neighborhoods and shelters where many Palestinians have sought refuge. Ismail al-Thawabta, Director General of the Gaza Government Media Office, reported that Israel has committed over 194 violations since the US-brokered ceasefire began on October 10. Since the onset of Israel’s military campaign in October 2023, more than 68,865 Palestinians have been killed, with 170,670 injured. Compounding the crisis, Israeli authorities have restricted the entry of essential aid, including materials for tents. Amjad al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGO Network in Gaza, highlighted the urgent need for 300,000 new tents before winter to avert a humanitarian and environmental disaster. Thawabta noted that Israel has failed to meet ceasefire stipulations, including the provision of shelters, food, medicine, and fuel. Between the ceasefire’s start and the end of October, only 3,203 of the required 13,200 aid trucks entered Gaza, far below the daily target of 600. The impending winter threatens to exacerbate the dire conditions in Gaza, where infrastructure, including homes, schools, and health centers, lies in ruins. The UN agency for Palestine refugees (Unrwa) has called for restored humanitarian access as colder temperatures approach, emphasizing the urgent need for shelter and warmth.