Israeli military strikes have killed at least four Palestinians, including two who were taken to hospital along with several wounded in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood on Saturday.
The attacks took place just days after Hamas and other Palestinian factions signed a disarmament agreement the United States has called a breakthrough toward ending the war. The ceasefire technically in place since October 10, 2023, has resulted in over 1,200 Palestinians killed since then.
According to reports from Al Jazeera Arabic, an Israeli drone attack killed two people in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood, with several wounded. A drone strike in Deir el-Balah also claimed the life of one Palestinian and injured hospital sources told Al Jazeera that another Palestinian was killed in a strike on a tent near a school in al-Mawasi, north of Khan Younis.
Separately, an overnight Israeli military strike destroyed medicine warehouses attached to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah. The ministry’s director-general, Munir al-Bursh, described the losses as “severe” and said that when the occupation fights people by destroying medicines and preventing medicine from entering, it turns medicine and illness itself into a tool of war.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported two storage facilities were completely destroyed and two others badly damaged. The hospital’s spokesperson, Khalil al-Daqran, stated that the strike destroyed intravenous fluids, medicines, and supplies used in dialysis and intensive care. Witnesses said tents housing displaced families near the hospital caught fire.
The Israeli army and its security agency Shin Bet claimed they destroyed five Hamas weapon depots in Gaza overnight, one of which was located beside Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. The destruction of medicine warehouses is a significant blow to the humanitarian efforts in Gaza, with officials saying that it will make it difficult for hospitals to treat patients.
The toll from Israeli strikes since the ceasefire began has risen to 1,222 killed and 76 wounded across the territory. The overall death toll since October 2023 stands at 73,349.
Gaza’s Civil Defence said it had finished recovering bodies from a home in Gaza City’s Sabra area destroyed by Israeli forces roughly two weeks ago. Crews retrieved the remains of 112 people, including 40 children and 38 women, from the site.
The destruction of medicine warehouses is just one example of Israel’s continued disregard for humanitarian law and its impact on civilians in Gaza. The international community has been critical of Israel’s actions, with many calling for a more robust response to protect Palestinian lives and prevent further suffering.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, it remains to be seen how long this ceasefire will hold. The international community must continue to pressure both sides to find a lasting solution that prioritizes human rights and dignity.
Source: Al Jazeera
Based on reporting from Al Jazeera.
