Background on the Conflict
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza escalated in mid-March when Israel broke a two-month truce. The intensified military operation, which began on May 17, aims to remove the Islamist Palestinian group Hamás from power and rescue remaining hostages in Gaza, according to the Israeli military.
The conflict was triggered by a Hamás attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, as reported by the AFP based on official data.
Recent Attacks and Casualties
On Sunday, Gaza’s Civil Defense reported at least 22 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes, including a pregnant woman and several children. The attacks targeted the Daqa family’s home in Jabaliya, northern Gaza, leaving some victims “carbonized” according to Mahmud Basal, the Civil Defense spokesperson.
Basal mentioned that there are still people trapped under the rubble, but the Civil Defense lacks search equipment and heavy machinery to rescue survivors or retrieve bodies.
- Two individuals, one of them pregnant, died in a refugee camp in Nuseirat, central Gaza.
- Five family members perished in Deir al Balah, central Gaza.
- Three more people were killed in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza.
- Three others died in Jan Yunis, southern Gaza, following airstrikes.
- A couple was killed in a bombing targeting the Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza. The deceased were reportedly Ashraf Abu Nar, a Civil Defense official, and his wife.
Israeli forces also destroyed several houses in Gaza City and five residences near Jan Yunis, as per the same source. The Israeli military declined to comment when contacted by AFP.
Impact on Gaza’s Population
As of now, over 53,939 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have lost their lives due to the Israeli military operation in Gaza, according to data from the Hamás-controlled Health Ministry, deemed reliable by the UN.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Hamás? Hamás is an Islamist Palestinian organization that governs the Gaza Strip and has been involved in armed conflict with Israel since its establishment.
- What triggered the recent escalation in violence? The conflict began with a Hamás attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in numerous civilian casualties.
- What are the objectives of Israel’s military operation in Gaza? The Israeli military aims to remove Hamás from power and rescue remaining hostages in Gaza.
- How many casualties have been reported so far? At least 53,939 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been reported dead due to the Israeli military operation in Gaza.
