DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — On Saturday, an Israeli drone strike resulted in the deaths of two Palestinian siblings, including a 15-year-old girl, in southern Gaza. The airstrike, which occurred in the Muwasi camp, wounded at least seven others and was confirmed by Nasser Hospital, where the victims were taken. The deceased were identified as 15-year-old Islam Moussa and her 30-year-old brother, Abdullah Moussa.
The Israeli military acknowledged conducting the strike in Muwasi and claimed it targeted a Hamas militant, although further details were not provided immediately. In an emotional scene outside the hospital, relatives mourned over the bodies of the deceased, which were covered in white burial shrouds.
On the same day, reports emerged of a loud explosion in Gaza City. An Israeli strike targeted a tent housing displaced Palestinians, resulting in injuries to at least 12 individuals, as reported by Shifa Hospital. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society’s ambulance service indicated that two people sustained critical injuries, with the majority of the wounded being women. The Israeli military maintained that the strike was aimed at a Hamas militant and stated they were unaware of any civilian casualties.
As evening fell on Saturday, more strikes were reported in central Gaza, though no immediate information regarding casualties was available at that time. The Israeli military indicated it would investigate the reports of these strikes.
Despite a fragile ceasefire established in October that temporarily halted the most intense fighting between Israel and the Hamas militant group, Israeli forces have continued near-daily strikes and shelling throughout the Gaza Strip. Both Israel and Hamas have exchanged accusations regarding violations of the ceasefire. Israel asserts that its operations are aimed at Hamas and other militants, citing a response to ongoing ceasefire violations.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, over 1,030 individuals have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, is recognized for maintaining accurate casualty records by United Nations agencies and independent experts; however, it does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its reports. In a recent statement, the ministry indicated that more than 250 children have died in Gaza since the ceasefire began.
A team of independent experts commissioned by the United Nations has accused Israel of intentionally targeting children in Gaza and has reiterated claims that Israel has committed genocide in the territory. Israel has denied these allegations of genocide throughout the ongoing conflict.
The Israel-Hamas war erupted on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 251 individuals. In retaliation, Israel's military offensive in Gaza has reportedly claimed the lives of over 73,050 Palestinians, including those killed since the ceasefire, as stated by Gaza’s Health Ministry. This ongoing situation continues to raise international concern and scrutiny regarding the humanitarian implications of the conflict.
