Medical officials in Gaza have reported a tragic incident where an Israeli airstrike targeted a tent sheltering a family displaced by conflict, claiming the lives of at least three individuals. Among the deceased are the parents of twins, who were also present during the strike in the central region of Gaza, specifically in the Nuseirat refugee camp.
The strike, which occurred late Sunday, resulted in severe injuries to the couple’s two children, both of whom are 10 years old. They are currently receiving medical attention at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, located in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah. The details regarding these casualties have been documented in hospital records, with an eyewitness confirming the presence of two bodies at the scene.
The Israeli military contends that its operations exclusively target militants and alleges that such fighters often use civilian shelters to evade detection. Reports emerging from the Nuseirat camp indicate a barrage of bombings in the western sectors, a region with historical significance dating back to the war in 1948 that led to Israel’s establishment.
The head of the ambulance service in Nuseirat, Mohamed Muhareb, stated that at least 24 individuals suffered injuries from the strikes and were subsequently transported to Awda hospital. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict ignited on October 7, 2023, when militants breached Israeli territory, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people, the majority being civilians, and the abduction of approximately 250 others. In retaliation, Israeli military actions in Gaza have reportedly resulted in over 43,000 fatalities, according to Palestinian health officials, who do not differentiate between combatants and civilians but emphasize that more than half of the casualties are women and children.
Furthermore, Hezbollah escalated the situation by launching attacks into Israel on October 8, 2023, in support of Hamas. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 3,100 people and left close to 13,900 injured within Lebanon.
In related developments, a high-ranking diplomat from the United Arab Emirates urged the global community to prioritize the humanitarian impact of the ongoing wars in the Middle East and called for a reduction in tensions. Anwar Gargash made these statements during the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate and reflected the UAE’s ongoing diplomatic stance, which recognized Israel in 2020.
Gargash emphasized that the intricacies of the region necessitate careful handling and a coherent political strategy, advocating against the normalized escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran. He expressed the need for “pragmatism” and a clear path toward resolving the broader Israeli-Palestinian issue, promoting a two-state solution. Despite acknowledging the extremism present on both sides of the conflict, he condemned the persistent violence faced by Palestinians in Gaza as “criminal and unacceptable.”
He also highlighted the complexity of regional issues, stating that while not all crises arise from the Palestinian situation, it remains a pivotal element of the ongoing conflict. The UAE continues to provide assistance to both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon while maintaining its diplomatic ties with Israel, occasionally expressing criticism of Israeli actions during the conflicts.
Additionally, Gargash noted the urgent need for reform in governance within the Palestinian territories and Lebanon, arguing that significant changes are crucial for the international community to extend meaningful support.