Israeli Air Attacks Leave Eight Dead, as per Gaza Civil Defense
Recent Israeli air attacks have resulted in the tragic loss of at least eight lives, including four children, in Gaza, as disclosed by the area's civil defense agency.
Details of the Air Strikes
Among the victims, four individuals, three of whom were children, lost their lives when an unmanned aerial vehicle targeted a makeshift shelter housing displaced individuals in the southern part of Gaza. The news was shared by the official spokesperson for the civil defense agency.
In addition to this, an 11-year-old girl's life was cut short near the Jabalia refugee camp, and another life was lost due to an assault on a school. Furthermore, an unmanned aerial vehicle claimed the life of a man near Khan Younis, and one more individual was killed following an Israeli strike on Deir al-Balah.
The Israeli military has expressed they are verifying these accounts. Both Israel and Hamas have pointed fingers at each other for violating a delicate ceasefire in Gaza.
Death Toll Since Recent Ceasefire
Israeli forces have caused the deaths of a minimum of 425 Palestinians in Gaza since the initiation of the latest ceasefire, brokered by the U.S, which came into effect on October 10. This information was provided by the health ministry of Gaza.
Earlier the same day, the Israeli Defense Forces indicated that a missile was launched in the direction of Israel from the vicinity of Gaza City, however, it landed within the Gaza Strip. The military then stated that it accurately targeted the point of launch.
Latest Ceasefire Update
The current ceasefire in Gaza has significantly reduced the violent encounters between Israeli forces and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas. Despite this, both parties have claimed regular violations of the ceasefire.
The ceasefire marks the initial phase of a 22-point peace plan for Gaza, put forth by the U.S President. This plan saw the liberation of the remaining Israeli hostages held captive by Hamas during the October 7 attack on southern Israel, in exchange for Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons. Despite this, the plan has been stagnant.
Next Steps and Controversies
Several bodies of hostages who died have been handed over, while one body is yet to be returned. The next phase of the agreement would necessitate Hamas to disarm, a proposition met with resistance from the group. The U.S President has warned of severe repercussions if this is not complied with.
The subsequent phase of the plan would see the establishment of a technocratic government in Gaza, followed by the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the reconstruction of Gaza. However, critics argue that Israel's Prime Minister may attempt to postpone the plan's process and instead insist on the disarmament of Hamas before the Israeli troops retreat beyond their current positions. The Prime Minister has been criticized for his lack of serious engagement with the political future of Palestinians.
Officials from Hamas have voiced that comprehensive disarmament should occur alongside progress towards an independent Palestinian state.