Tragic Loss: Children Waiting for Supplements Killed in Israeli Airstrike, Reports Hospital in Gaza

At least 15 Palestinians, including eight children and two women, lost their lives in an Israeli strike near a medical center in central Gaza, according to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. The strike targeted people seeking nutritional aid in Deir al-Balah. Graphic footage showed the aftermath, with victims on the floor as medical staff rushed to help.

The Israeli military claimed they aimed at a “Hamas terrorist” but expressed regret for any unintended casualties, stating that the situation is currently under review. Meanwhile, 26 more people reportedly died in other strikes across Gaza, as discussions for a new ceasefire and hostage release continued in Doha.

Despite hopes from the U.S., which is mediating alongside Qatar and Egypt, breaking the deadlock seems challenging. At the hospital, grieving relatives wrapped their loved ones in shrouds for burial prayers. One woman, Intisar, shared the heartbreaking news that her pregnant niece and young daughter were among the victims. “She was just in line for children’s supplements when it happened,” she said, her voice shaking.

Another local questioned the violence: “For what sin were they killed?” A deep sense of despair permeates the area. “We are dying before the eyes of the world. If the Israeli army doesn’t kill us, we die while trying to get aid.”

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed striking a member of Hamas involved in the October 7 attack on Israel. They noted awareness of the casualties and restated their regret over the incident.

This airstrike occurred as negotiations aimed to establish a ceasefire moved forward. However, significant differences remain between Israel and Hamas. A senior Israeli official indicated it might take one to two weeks to finalize an agreement. If a ceasefire is reached, it could last 60 days, during which Israel might push for Hamas to disarm. If Hamas refuses, military actions would continue.

Hamas, in contrast, criticized the negotiations as difficult and accused Israel of stubbornness. They expressed willingness to release 10 hostages but insisted on a broader agreement that concludes the Israeli offensive.

Since Hamas’s attack on October 7, which claimed around 1,200 Israeli lives and resulted in 251 hostages taken, the situation in Gaza has escalated dramatically. Reports indicate that more than 57,680 Palestinians have died since the outbreak of violence, leaving the region in chaos. Most residents have been displaced repeatedly, with over 90% of homes damaged or destroyed. Healthcare and essential services have collapsed, leading to severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.

This ongoing conflict has created a humanitarian crisis, leading many organizations and governments to call for urgent international intervention. The situation remains fluid, and many are awaiting news of a potential resolution.



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