Six Palestinians killed in latest Israeli strikes on Gaza
A father and his teenage son were among those killed in new attacks, as heavy storms and stalled negotiations compound the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
By Amir Navarro ·
Israeli military forces have killed at least six Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, local health sources reported on Tuesday. Among the deceased is a father and his 13-year-old son, who lost their lives in separate strikes within the territory.
Three members of the Ghubain family were killed in an air attack on their home in the Daraj area of Gaza City. In a different incident, a father and his son were killed when an Israeli air attack struck a tent in the Zeitoun neighborhood. Additionally, one man was shot and killed by Israeli gunfire in the southern city of Khan Younis.
These recent fatalities occur despite a truce agreement brokered by the United States last year. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 1,600 Palestinians have been killed by Israel since that ceasefire was established. The ministry also stated that the total death toll in the war, which began in October 2023, has exceeded 74,000.
The violence coincides with severe weather conditions. The first strong storm of the season hit the region over the weekend, causing significant destruction. Within 12 hours, approximately 70,000 tents were flooded, resulting in the deaths of at least five people and causing an estimated three million dollars in damage, according to the Gaza Government Media Office.
The storm highlights the fragility of the shelter available to residents. About 85 percent of homes in the war-torn territory have been destroyed or damaged. In response to the destruction, there is a high demand for temporary housing, yet access remains limited.
Israeli authorities are currently blocking the entry of 60,000 mobile homes and 200,000 tents. Only 20,000 tents are being allowed into Gaza, a figure that falls short of the needs of the displaced population. The blockade also includes restrictions on much-needed humanitarian aid entering the enclave.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have hit a snag. Negotiators have failed to reach an agreement on the specific terms for Hamas to disarm. They have also been unable to finalize a plan for the Israeli withdrawal of troops from Gaza.
Israeli forces currently control approximately two-thirds of the Gaza territory. Residents in these occupied areas have been ordered to leave, adding to the displacement crisis as the weather worsens and military operations continue.
The combination of ongoing airstrikes, restrictive entry of aid and shelter, and heavy rainfall has intensified the pressure on civilians. The situation remains volatile as both sides struggle to find common ground in negotiations while the immediate humanitarian needs of the population grow.
Local officials continue to monitor the impact of both the military strikes and the seasonal storms. The recent loss of life, including that of a young boy, underscores the continued danger faced by families in the region despite the earlier agreement to a truce.
