Israeli airstrikes in Gaza kill 21, including children, as military cites attack on troops, highlighting ongoing truce violations and aid shortages.
GAZA CITY: Israeli airstrikes killed 21 people in Gaza, according to health officials operating under Hamas authority. The Israeli military said it launched the strikes after gunfire targeting its troops seriously wounded an officer.
The violence continues despite a US-brokered truce entering its second phase last month. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of breaching the agreement.
The health ministry reported at least 38 others were wounded in the strikes. Among the dead were three children, said the territory’s civil defence agency.
“We were sleeping when suddenly shells and gunfire rained down on us,” said Abu Mohammed Haboush, whose son was killed. He added that his family was living far from the so-called “Yellow Line” where Israeli forces are stationed.
Fourteen bodies were taken to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, its director said. Three more were brought to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis after strikes hit homes and tents for displaced people.
“We also received dozens of wounded,” said Al-Shifa director Mohamed Abu Salmiya. He cited an “extremely difficult” situation in hospitals due to severe shortages of medicines and supplies.
The Israeli military said “terrorists opened fire on troops” near the “Yellow Line”. It considers the incident a violation of the ceasefire.
The latest bloodshed came days after Israel partly reopened the Rafah crossing into Egypt. It is the only exit for Gazans that does not pass through Israel.
Passage is currently limited to patients and their travel companions. Dozens of sick and wounded Gazans have begun crossing into Egypt to seek medical treatment.
Relatives of those returning from Egypt screamed in joy, hugging and crying. “I am so happy to be back with my husband, my children, my family, my loved ones, and of course, my homeland,” returnee Fariza Barabakh told AFP.
Gaza’s health ministry says at least 556 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire took effect. The Israeli military says four of its soldiers have been killed over the same period.
