Tragic Toll: 183 Children and 94 Women Lost in Israel’s Devastating Gaza Raids on Tuesday
In a devastating escalation, Israeli forces conducted 100 simultaneous airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning, effectively breaking the fragile two-month ceasefire with Hamas. This violence has led to a tragic loss of life and has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region, drawing international attention and concern.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the recent attacks have resulted in the death of at least 436 individuals, which includes:
- 183 children
- 94 women
- 34 elderly people
- 125 men
Additionally, at least 678 others have sustained injuries, many of them critically, and rescue efforts are ongoing as more victims remain trapped under rubble.
Al Jazeera’s fact-checking agency, SANAD, reported that the Israeli military targeted 23 different locations from dawn until around 2 PM local time (12:00 GMT) on Tuesday. The attacks spanned various regions within the Gaza Strip, including:
- Jabalia
- Beit Hanoon
- Gaza City
- Nuseirat
- Deir el-Balah
- Khan Younis
- Rafah
Even areas that had been designated as safe humanitarian zones, such as the al-Mawasi region, were not spared from the strikes.
In a particularly tragic incident in western Gaza City, Israeli forces attacked a group of civilians, including a woman with special needs, in front of the al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital.
Moreover, the strikes also targeted two schools that were sheltering displaced families: the al-Tabin School in Daraj, Gaza City, and the Dar al-Fadhila School located northwest of Rafah City. These bombings resulted in at least 25 fatalities.
Reporting from Deir el-Balah, Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary described the atmosphere in Gaza as one filled with fear and hopelessness. “People are terrified, helpless, and devastated following the attacks amid the Israeli blockade of aid and electricity cuts,” she stated. She further elaborated on the dire situation, saying, “People are starving. They do not have access to food. The water desalination plant that was providing water for 500,000 Palestinians is not working due to Israel cutting off electricity.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the situation, stating that the renewed bombing campaign is “only the beginning.” He emphasized that Israel would continue its military operations until all war aims are achieved, which includes the destruction of Hamas and the liberation of all captives.
Tragically, the violence has led to entire families being wiped out. One such heartbreaking instance is the family of Ramy Abdu’s sister, Nesreen, whose home was bombed in Gaza City around 4:30 AM (2:30 GMT). Ramy Abdu, who serves as the chairman of the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, mourned the loss of his sister, her children Ubaida, Omer, and Layan, as well as Ubaida’s wife, Malak, and their young children, Siwar and Mohammed. This incident highlights the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on innocent civilians.
The recent airstrikes have reignited fears of further escalations and have drawn widespread condemnation from various international organizations advocating for human rights. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, as the destruction of infrastructure and the blockade hinder access to essential resources.
As the situation develops, global leaders and humanitarian organizations are calling for an immediate ceasefire and a renewed focus on diplomatic solutions to restore peace and stability in the region. The plight of the people in Gaza is a stark reminder of the urgent need for humanitarian aid and support during these trying times.
In conclusion, the recent events in Gaza serve as a tragic illustration of the ongoing conflict’s toll on human life. The international community must respond with urgency to address the humanitarian needs and work towards a lasting resolution that ensures the safety and dignity of all affected individuals.
