The strikes across the territory hit homes in the cities of Khan Younis and Rafah in southern Gaza and the northern town of Beit Lahiya, according to doctors in the region.
At least 40 people have been killed overnight, including women and babies, as Israel launched a fresh wave of attacks across the Gaza Strip. The strikes hit homes in the cities of Khan Younis and Rafah in southern Gaza and the northern town of Beit Lahiya, according to doctors in the region.
The Gaza Health Ministry says at least 436 Palestinians, including 183 children, have been killed since Tuesday. It was reported locally among this morning’s targets were family homes and the grim death toll – which could yet rise – are several women, children and newborn babies who had been sleeping.
The deadly attacks came two days after Israel shattered a ceasefire which had allowed several hostages to be finally released home to their worried families. The Israeli military is yet to comment on the latest deadly attack. It has previously maintained it targets only militants and blames civilian deaths on Hamas agents who are embedded in residential areas.
The European Hospital, located in Rafah, said 26 people, mostly women and children, were killed in two family homes overnight. One hit killed a father and his seven children, it said.
The Israeli Defence Forces said last night: “IDF troops began targeted ground activities in central and southern Gaza, over the past day, in order to expand the security zone and to create a partial buffer between northern and southern Gaza.
As part of the ground activities, the troops expanded their control further to the center of the Netzarim Corridor.
“Simultaneously, it was decided the Golani Brigade would be stationed in the Southern Command area and remain ready for operations in Gaza. The IDF will continue to operate against terrorist organizations in Gaza to protect the citizens of the State of Israel.”
The return of hostilities which ended the ceasefire was met with condemnation by several people. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said this week: “The gates of hell will open in Gaza” if hostages aren’t released. He added: “We will not stop fighting until all of our hostages are home and we have achieved all of the war goals.”
The attacks shattered a period of relative calm during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and raised the prospect of a full return to fighting in a 17-month war which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire.
Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand stating Israel would from now on “act against Hamas with increasing military strength”.
The Israeli Government accused Hamas of “repeated refusal to release our hostages”, and of rejecting proposals to extend the ceasefire, as it justified the attack.
The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israel’s actions while Hamas warned that Israel’s new airstrikes breached their ceasefire and put the fate of hostages in jeopardy.
