DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Recent Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least 17 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. The attacks also obliterated heavy machinery such as bulldozers that had been secured to clear the extensive rubble created by ongoing hostilities. In a separate incident, Israeli strikes in Lebanon claimed two lives.
On the diplomatic front, a phone call took place between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump. This follows their recent meeting in Washington. Trump described their conversation as successful on his social media platform, highlighting discussions on trade and the situation in Iran, among other topics. However, Netanyahu’s visit to Washington didn’t achieve the support he had aimed for, specifically regarding measures to stop Iran from advancing its nuclear program and other regional issues.
Israel’s military actions, part of an aggressive campaign against Hamas over the past 18 months, have left significant portions of Gaza in ruins, triggering concerns that the territory may struggle to ever fully recover. The scarcity of heavy machinery exacerbates efforts to reach people trapped under debris and to keep essential roads clear.
The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for destroying around 40 pieces of heavy equipment, alleging that Hamas used these vehicles for laying explosives and other military purposes. The mayoralty in Jabaliya reported the loss of nine bulldozers in a strike on their parking premises. These were provided by Egypt and Qatar as part of peace efforts earlier this year. Israel ended the ceasefire agreement last month, leading to a resurgence in hostilities and a blockade on imports, including essentials such as food and medicine.
In addition to bulldozers, a water tanker, a mobile generator, and a sewage truck were reportedly destroyed in the strikes. In Khan Younis, an Israeli airstrike demolished a multi-story building, killing nine people, including four women and four children. The deceased included a toddler and her parents.
Another strike in the densely populated Jabaliya refugee camp claimed the lives of three children and their parents, while a separate attack in Nuseirat resulted in the death of a man and two children, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The current military campaign has led to the death of over 51,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, according to health officials in Gaza. While the Israeli military claims the majority were combatants, specifics on civilian casualties remain undisclosed. Hostilities escalated following an attack by Hamas-led forces on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant Israeli casualties and hostages taken.
As tensions remain high, Israel continues to insist on the return of hostages and the disbandment of Hamas as a condition for ceasing its military operations. A lasting resolution remains elusive, with Hamas demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners and a full Israeli withdrawal in exchange for freeing the remaining captives.
In neighboring Lebanon, Israeli drone strikes have targeted militants, including a member of the Muslim Brotherhood in a suburb of Beirut. Another separate strike took place in the southern region of Tyre, claiming the life of a militant commander according to Israeli sources.
Despite a temporary ceasefire with Hezbollah, Israel has maintained its airstrike campaign across Lebanon. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified in September, leading to a broader war after several top Hezbollah leaders were killed.
In Syria, tensions flared with the arrest of two senior members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. The circumstances behind these detentions remain unclear as Syrian authorities have yet to offer an explanation. These arrests occurred shortly after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Damascus for talks with the Syrian leadership, marking his first visit since the pre-civil war era.
Islamic Jihad, a smaller entity allied with Hamas, has maintained a foothold in Syria, supporting Hezbollah in their conflict with Israel. The situation remains tense, highlighting ongoing instability and complex geopolitical alliances in the region.