Image Credit: Al Jazeera
Israeli forces launched a series of air raids and artillery attacks across the Gaza Strip, targeting multiple locations on Monday. According to Palestinian media, the attacks struck Deir el-Balah, Maghazi camp in central Gaza, and Abasan al-Kabira, a town located east of Khan Younis in the south. Reports also indicated that intense bombardment occurred in the al-Sabra neighborhood of northern Gaza City, causing widespread destruction and panic among residents.
The escalation began early Monday morning, with Israeli artillery reportedly shelling the town of Bani Sheila, east of Khan Younis, resulting in the deaths of at least three Palestinians. Among the casualties was a paramedic, who had been assisting injured civilians when the shelling occurred. Al Jazeera Arabic, citing local sources, noted the severe impact on civilian infrastructure, particularly in the densely populated areas of central and northern Gaza.
Israeli officials have not commented on the latest strikes, though the military has previously stated that its operations are aimed at neutralizing what it describes as terrorist threats. The situation has further exacerbated the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands of residents have sought refuge in schools and other makeshift shelters.
Palestinian authorities condemned the attacks, calling them a continuation of Israel’s aggressive policies in the region. International observers have expressed concern over the rising civilian death toll and the potential for further escalation. The latest developments add to the growing list of casualties and destruction in Gaza, a region that has been under a blockade for over a decade, with repeated cycles of violence causing severe hardships for its inhabitants.