Israeli air raids claim 481 lives in 24 hours in Gaza

In response to skepticism from Biden regarding the veracity of the death count, Gaza’s health ministry publishes names of dead

Muslim Network TV Desk with inputs form agencies

GAZA, Palestine – Gaza’s health authority has reported at least 481 fatalities resulting from Israeli air raids.

These figures came on the heels of overnight attacks that led to the demise of 40 Palestinians, as detailed by medical sources and the Palestinian news agency, WAFA.

The airstrike also hit the Al-Abyad Mosque in the northern Gaza Strip, with many feared dead. The attack was part of a series of airstrikes on the Al-Shati Refugee Camp.

High-impact areas also included the Nuseirat and Khan Younis refugee camps.

In a poignant response to skepticism from U.S. President Joe Biden regarding the veracity of the death count, Gaza’s health ministry highlighted the profound individual tragedies behind the numbers, stating, “behind every number is a story of a person.”

To date, the ongoing conflict that began on October 7 has seen the loss of 7,326 Palestinian lives due to Israeli strikes, and more than 1,400 Israelis have been killed in attacks by Hamas.

Tensions continued to escalate in the West Bank on Friday morning, with Israeli forces reportedly taking the lives of four Palestinians.

Three casualties were from Jenin, while the fourth was from Qalqilya. Since October 7, the Palestinian death toll in the West Bank and East Jerusalem has surged to 110, marking a stark increase from the monthly average of around 20 reported earlier this year.

In a significant military operation, Israeli ground forces, supported by tanks and armored bulldozers, initiated an overnight raid into northern Gaza aimed at Hamas targets.

As per local radio, this incursion was deemed a “relatively large” one, pointing to it being the most substantial since Israel began amassing troops outside Gaza in anticipation of a larger invasion.

Aid to the beleaguered region remains painfully limited. Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the UN’s Palestine refugees agency, lamented the dire situation in Gaza, emphasizing that the sparse aid trickling in is akin to mere “crumbs” for the two million residents in dire need.

Amidst this backdrop, Hamas claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on a Tel Aviv building, resulting in three casualties.

Further intensifying the situation, Israeli army bulldozers demolished the memorial of the late Palestinian journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, in the Jenin refugee camp.

Abu Akleh, a respected journalist with Al Jazeera, was fatally shot on May 11, 2022, during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank.

Despite her clearly displayed “PRESS” vest and helmet, she became a casualty. While Israel has expressed regret over her death, it has stopped short of taking responsibility or penalizing the involved parties.

Rocket strikes have also impacted Tel Aviv, leading to injuries. The Magen David Adom ambulance service disclosed that a rocket struck a building, severely injuring a 20-year-old male. Additionally, two other individuals sustained minor injuries.

On the international diplomatic front, London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, has publicly advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza, diverging from the official stance of the British government.

The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, elaborated on Russia’s balanced approach to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the importance of communication with all involved factions. This follows Moscow’s invitation to a Hamas delegation, a move that drew Israeli ire.

In the midst of these ongoing hostilities, Qatar has taken a mediatory role. Al Jazeera reported that the Qatari-led discussions on a ceasefire agreement and potential prisoner exchange between Israel and Palestinian groups are gaining momentum.

Aid agencies have stressed the acute need for increased humanitarian support for Gaza. The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lynn Hastings, disclosed the entry of about 74 aid trucks, with eight more anticipated.

The captivity saga continues with conflicting reports on the number of hostages held in Gaza.

The Israeli military has pegged the number at 229, while Hamas estimates range between 200 and 250.

The latter also claimed that Israeli attacks have claimed the lives of 50 of the hostages. Notably, Hamas has released four individuals and pledged the unconditional release of all foreign hostages.

As the situation remains volatile, the EU has unanimously called for “humanitarian corridors and pauses” in Gaza.

Arab nations, in collaboration with the Global South, have convened at the UN general assembly to urge an end to the bombings in Gaza.

As this intense conflict rages on, diplomatic efforts and humanitarian concerns remain at the forefront of international discussions. The hope for peace, amidst the backdrop of devastation, remains a distant but fervent aspiration for all involved parties.