10 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Airstrikes on Deir al-Balah: Civil Defence Reports
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Synopsis
On April 13, 2023, Israeli airstrikes on Deir al-Balah in Gaza claimed the lives of at least 10 Palestinians. The attacks targeted civilians and municipal buildings, contributing to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region amidst escalating violence.
Key Takeaways
- 10 Palestinians reported killed in strikes.
- Israeli airstrikes targeted civilian vehicles.
- Health system in Gaza is overwhelmed.
- Ongoing military operations since March 18.
- Significant casualties reported since October 7 conflict.
Gaza, April 13 (NationPress) At least 10 Palestinians lost their lives in Israeli airstrikes targeting the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah on Sunday, as reported by Gaza's Civil Defence.
According to Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the Civil Defence, an Israeli strike on a civilian vehicle resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, six of whom were from the same family.
Numerous others sustained injuries and were transported to Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, he added.
Eyewitnesses indicated that an Israeli aircraft launched at least one missile at the vehicle, igniting it and causing significant casualties, as noted by Xinhua news agency.
The Israeli military has yet to release a statement concerning this incident.
In a separate assault, Basal reported that an Israeli airstrike on the Deir al-Balah municipality building resulted in the deaths of three additional Palestinians.
The Israeli military has confirmed this strike.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that Israeli forces, in collaboration with the Shin Bet security agency, targeted a Hamas command and control center situated in the area.
He noted that a significant number of Hamas operatives involved in attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians were present at the site during the operation.
Meanwhile, Gaza's health authorities reported on Sunday that since Israel resumed its military operations in the enclave on March 18, 1,574 Palestinians have been killed and 4,115 wounded.
They further revealed that the total death toll since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, has reached 50,944, with 116,156 others injured.
On Saturday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that the military intended to broaden its offensive following the completion of the takeover of the “Morag axis” between the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Yunis. This corridor is part of what he describes as the “Israeli security zone”.
The Health Ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza condemned the strike, stating it led to the “forced evacuation of patients and medical staff”.
Hospitals, which are protected under international humanitarian law, have been repeatedly struck by Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip since the onset of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Aid organizations and the UN have reported that only a few of Gaza's 36 hospitals remain partially operational.
According to a Tuesday report from the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs, “The health system in Gaza is overwhelmed by the influx of casualties and rapidly depleting essential medicines and supplies due to the blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over a month.”
