Overnight Israeli airstrikes on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 17 people, according to local media reports. This follows a night of intense bombardment that targeted homes sheltering displaced families.
Earlier reports confirmed that seven people died in a strike on a home in Nuseirat, while another five were killed in a separate incident. Tragically, this is not the first time the camp has suffered heavy losses; earlier this month, at least 274 displaced Palestinians were killed in Nuseirat during a deadly rescue operation by the Israeli military aimed at freeing four Israeli captives.
Relentless Strikes on Displaced Families
In a particularly devastating attack, 17 people were killed in two separate strikes on homes accommodating families who had recently evacuated from Rafah. The first strike claimed 10 lives, including women and children, five of whom were from the same family. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with many still trapped under the rubble. An hour later, a second strike targeted another family’s home, killing both parents, their children, and the grandparents. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue to search for survivors.
Two additional fatalities were reported on the coastal road in Gaza’s central-western area, bringing the total to 19 dead. Approximately 35 individuals wounded in these attacks are currently hospitalized with critical injuries.
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
Israel’s blockade on Gaza, now in its ninth month, has severely restricted access to essential supplies, including fuel. The scarcity and high cost of fuel have forced residents to rely on basic modes of transportation, such as donkey carts and bicycles.
The Associated Press has documented at least 60 instances where Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 25 members from single families. These attacks have decimated multiple generations, underscoring the severe human cost of the ongoing conflict. Ayed Abu Eqtaish, accountability program director at Defence for Children International, stated, “The killing of entire families and different generations from the same family, it’s a fact.”
Political Turmoil in Israel
The airstrikes and humanitarian crises in Gaza occur amid significant political unrest in Israel. Nissim Vaturi, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, controversially equated Israel’s anti-government protesters to Hamas, calling them a “branch of the protests” akin to “wicked terrorists who murder children.”
The recent “Week of Resistance” has seen thousands of protesters demand early elections and an end to the Gaza war. Last night, demonstrators rallied at the Knesset before marching towards Netanyahu’s residence, resulting in clashes with police and eight arrests.
Yair Lapid, Israel’s opposition leader, expressed optimism about uniting opposition forces to oust Netanyahu. “This government should be overthrown, I think it can be overthrown,” Lapid told Israel’s 103FM radio. He emphasized that with Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot’s resignation from Israel’s war cabinet, the opposition now has the means to bring down the government. Netanyahu, facing increasing political pressure, disbanded the war cabinet following their departure.
The situation in Gaza remains dire as the humanitarian crisis deepens, and political tensions in Israel continue to escalate. As the conflict persists, the international community watches closely, with hopes for a resolution and an end to the devastating loss of life.
