Israeli Strikes Kill 28 Palestinians in Gaza

A wave of Israeli military attacks in the Gaza Strip has resulted in the deaths of at least 28 Palestinians and the wounding of 77 others, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Medical sources informed Al Jazeera that the strikes represent one of the most significant breaches of the US-brokered ceasefire that took effect last month (October 10).

The intense bombardment, which occurred on Wednesday, has reportedly fueled widespread panic across the war-devastated enclave. The preliminary toll reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry is 28 killed and 77 wounded.

Al Jazeera reported that Israeli attacks targeted at least three specific locations: The al-Mawasi area, near Khan Younis in southern Gaza. A junction in the eastern Gaza City area of Shujayea reportedly filled with displaced Palestinian families. A building in the Zeitoun neighbourhood where at least 10 people, including an entire family (a father, a mother, and their three children), were killed.

An Al Jazeera correspondent noted that the bombings have not ceased since the ceasefire came into force, stating that "The war is still taking place, and Palestinians are still dying due to the ongoing violence."

The news report highlights conflicting accounts regarding the cause of the renewed violence. The Israeli military stated it launched the strikes on "Hamas targets" in response to an incident where its troops reportedly came under fire in Khan Younis.2 The military affirmed it would "continue to act forcefully to eliminate any threat to the State of Israel."

Hamas rejected the claim that Israeli forces were fired upon, calling it a "flimsy and transparent attempt to justify its crimes and violations."3 The group labeled the attacks a "dangerous escalation" aimed at resuming the "genocide against our people."

An Al Jazeera analyst noted that Israel appears to have granted itself the right to be "judge, jury and executioner" in interpreting the truce, launching strikes based on its own assessment of Hamas compliance.