Israel Strikes Dozens of Targets in Gaza as Violence Continues
ICARO Media Group
In the past 24 hours, Israeli jets have targeted 70 locations across Gaza, according to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The airstrikes were part of ongoing efforts to quell violence in the region. Additionally, an airstrike in Jenin resulted in the death of Islam Khamayseh, a senior figure within Islamic Jihad.
The IDF stated that Khamayseh, who served as the head of logistics for the organization's brigade in Jenin, was responsible for numerous attacks in the area. The strike, carried out by a fighter jet and helicopter, successfully eliminated Khamayseh and other significant terrorists who were present in the compound.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that as a result of the strike, one person was killed and eight others were wounded and are currently receiving hospital treatment.
Al-Quds Brigade, the armed wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, confirmed that Khamayseh was a leader of the Jenin battalion, which is affiliated with the group. They also stated that one of their members was killed and several others were injured during the Israeli raid.
Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, violence has spread to the West Bank, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967. Palestinian officials report that more than 500 Palestinians have lost their lives at the hands of Israeli forces or settlers since the conflict began. At least 20 Israelis have also been killed during the same period, according to official Israeli data.
In Gaza, Israeli tanks and warplanes have continued to bombard parts of Rafah. In response, the armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim to have fired anti-tank missiles and mortars at Israeli forces massing near the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. The escalating violence has resulted in casualties on both sides.
Meanwhile, humanitarian aid has started to arrive in Gaza through a new sea corridor built with the assistance of the United States. However, the US aid chief emphasized that this sea corridor cannot substitute the need for land crossings, which have slowed down the delivery of essential supplies.
Trucks carrying aid, including food and temporary shelter kits, have arrived at the Gaza coast and are being controlled by the United Nations. The goal is to provide much-needed relief to the people of Gaza, who have experienced dire conditions due to the ongoing conflict.
Hamas has rejected the US-built pier as an alternative and demands the opening of all land crossings under Palestinian supervision. They also reiterated their refusal of any military presence on Palestinian land.
As the conflict continues, efforts to secure the release of hostages abducted by Hamas have had some success. Three hostages, including Shani Louk, a German-Israeli citizen, have been identified and their bodies retrieved by the Israeli military. The other two hostages were Amit Buskila and Itzhak Gelerenter, who were killed by Hamas during the Nova music festival.
With the violence showing no signs of abating, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging for a cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire.