Israeli Strike in Gaza Kills at Least 15, Including Children Queueing for Supplements
At least 26 others killed in strikes elsewhere as negotiations for ceasefire continue.
In a tragic incident in central Gaza, at least 15 Palestinians, including eight children and two women, lost their lives when an Israeli strike hit a group of people queuing for nutritional supplements near the town of Deir al-Balah.
The Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital, which treated the wounded, released graphic footage showing bodies strewn on the ground amidst attempts to provide medical care.
The Israeli military, acknowledging the incident, stated that their target was a 'Hamas terrorist' in the area and expressed regret for any harm caused to uninvolved individuals.
An investigation into the event is underway.The same day, another 26 fatalities were reported from strikes carried out elsewhere in Gaza.
This escalation occurs as indirect negotiations for a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal continue in Doha between Israeli and Hamas delegations.
Although there is cautious optimism regarding the peace talks mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, significant gaps between the two sides remain.
The discussions aim to halt the ongoing conflict that has claimed thousands of lives since October 7th.The strike at Deir al-Balah's supplement queue took place amidst mounting pressure on both parties to reach a comprehensive agreement.
As negotiations progress, the human cost of the conflict continues to rise.
Families grieving their lost loved ones have been left questioning the purpose behind such actions.
The attack has sparked an outpouring of grief and frustration from those in Gaza, who feel abandoned as international attention remains focused on the territory without leading to meaningful change.The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the target of the strike was a member of Hamas's elite Nukhba forces involved in the October 7th attack.
The IDF emphasized its commitment to minimizing harm to civilians but acknowledged that an investigation into the incident is necessary.Despite these developments, both parties seem far from reaching a consensus on terms for a ceasefire.
An Israeli official indicated that an agreement could take up to two weeks to finalize and proposed a conditional end to hostilities lasting 60 days, during which Israel would seek Hamas's disarmament.
Hamas, however, insists on a 'comprehensive' solution that would address the group's demands before agreeing to any terms.The ongoing conflict has had devastating effects on Gaza's infrastructure and population.
According to the territory's health ministry, over 57,680 people have been killed since the start of the Israeli campaign in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7th.
The humanitarian crisis is severe, with widespread displacement, damaged homes, collapsed systems, and acute shortages of essential supplies.