According to a hospital in central Gaza, an Israeli strike near a medical point has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 Palestinians, among them eight children and two women.
According to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, a strike targeted individuals waiting for nutritional supplements in the town of Deir al-Balah. Footage captured within the hospital reveals the tragic scene of multiple bodies, including those of children, sprawled on the floor while medical personnel attend to their injuries.
The Israeli military reported that it conducted an operation aimed at a “Hamas terrorist” in the region. The statement expressed regret for any harm caused to uninvolved individuals and noted that the incident is currently under review.
On Thursday, reports indicated that an additional 26 individuals lost their lives in strikes across Gaza, while Israeli and Hamas delegations remained engaged in negotiations for a potential ceasefire and hostage release agreement during indirect talks in Doha.
Despite the optimism voiced by the United States, which is serving as a mediator alongside Qatar and Egypt, there appears to be no significant progress towards a breakthrough at this time.
At the mortuary of al-Aqsa hospital, grieving relatives mourned as they carefully wrapped the deceased children in white shrouds and body bags, preparing to conduct funeral prayers.
A woman shared with reporters that her pregnant niece, Manal, and her daughter, Fatima, were included in the group, and that Manal’s son is currently in the intensive care unit.
“I was in queue to obtain the children’s supplements when the incident occurred. I’m not sure what transpired afterward,” Intisar stated.
A nearby woman expressed her confusion, asking, “For what sin were they killed?”
“We are perishing in full view of the global audience.” The Gaza Strip is under the global spotlight. Individuals face lethal consequences at the hands of the Israeli army, or they perish in their attempts to secure assistance.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced in a statement that it targeted a member of the elite Nukhba forces belonging to Hamas’s military wing, who was involved in the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The IDF has acknowledged reports concerning several individuals injured in the vicinity. The statement indicated that the incident is currently under review. The IDF expresses regret for any harm caused to individuals not involved in the conflict.
An attack occurred while mediators were working to generate momentum for a ceasefire agreement during discussions in Doha.
Nonetheless, substantial disparities between Israel and Hamas seem to persist.
On Wednesday night, a high-ranking Israeli official informed reporters in Washington that an agreement might be reached within one to two weeks.
During a visit to the United States by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, an official stated that should a 60-day ceasefire agreement be established, Israel intends to utilise that period to propose a permanent resolution to the conflict, contingent upon Hamas disarming. Officials stated that if Hamas does not disarm, Israel will “proceed” with military operations.
In a recent statement, Hamas characterised the negotiations as challenging, attributing the difficulties to what they described as Israeli “intransigence”.
The group stated that it had demonstrated flexibility by agreeing to release 10 hostages, while emphasising its demand for a “comprehensive” agreement aimed at concluding the Israeli offensive.
The Israeli military initiated a campaign in Gaza following the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 251 individuals.
According to the health ministry operated by Hamas, the death toll in Gaza has reached at least 57,680 individuals since the onset of the conflict.
A significant portion of Gaza’s population has experienced multiple displacements. It is estimated that over 90% of homes have been damaged or destroyed. The healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene systems are in a state of collapse, while shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter are becoming increasingly severe.
