International

Gaza strikes kill 21, including children, amid fragile truce

By: SigmaLive English

Date:

Deadly strikes hit Gaza

Israeli attacks pounded Gaza on Wednesday, killing at least 21 Palestinians, including two infants, hospital officials said. Israel said it carried out the strikes in response to a militant attack that seriously wounded an Israeli soldier.

The ceasefire deal that took effect on October 10 has repeatedly broken down. Many in Gaza say the violence makes it feel like the war continues unabated. Among those killed on Wednesday were five children, seven women, and a paramedic on duty, according to Shifa Hospital.

Families mourn in Gaza

Israeli troops targeted a building in the Tuffah neighbourhood, killing 11 people, most from the same family. Victims included a 10-day-old baby, her five-month-old cousin, their parents, and grandmother. Mourners gathered at Shifa Hospital for funeral prayers, expressing shock and grief.

In Khan Younis, a strike on a family tent killed three, including a 12-year-old boy. Tank shelling in Gaza City’s Zaytoun neighbourhood killed another three. Another strike in Muwasi killed two people, including on-duty paramedic Hussein Hassan Hussein al-Semieri, and wounded five, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

The Gaza health ministry said 38 Palestinians were wounded by Wednesday’s strikes.

Rafah border crossing sees minimal passage

The Rafah border crossing opened on Monday in a step forward for the truce, but delays, interrogations, and uncertainty limited passage. Only 40 Palestinians entered Gaza on Tuesday, arriving at Nasser Hospital early Wednesday morning. Israeli troops allegedly blindfolded, handcuffed, and questioned three women before releasing them. The Israeli military denied any misconduct.

Ceasefire progress remains uneven

The ceasefire deal has achieved some milestones. Hamas released all hostages, and Israel freed thousands of Palestinians while reopening Rafah. Humanitarian aid has increased, and a new technocratic committee now administers Gaza’s daily affairs.

However, critical elements remain stalled, including the deployment of an international security force, Hamas disarmament, and the reconstruction of Gaza. The U.S. has not provided a timeline for completing these steps.

Casualties mount

Since the war began on October 7, 2023, over 71,800 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza health officials. The ministry does not differentiate between fighters and civilians but maintains detailed records generally considered reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts.

Source: AP News

Also read: Gaza’s crucial Rafah crossing with Egypt reopens
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