Israeli Airstrike Claims 16 Lives at Gaza Mourning Ceremony
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Synopsis
An Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza has killed at least 16 Palestinians and left over 30 wounded during a mourning gathering. This incident highlights the severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing military operations and blockades.
Key Takeaways
- 16 Palestinians killed in airstrike.
- Over 30 people injured.
- Targeted a mourning gathering in Beit Lahia.
- Israeli military operations are ongoing.
- Humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsening.
Gaza, March 20 (NationPress) An Israeli airstrike has resulted in the deaths of at least 16 Palestinians and left over 30 injured as it targeted a gathering of mourners in the northern Gaza Strip, as reported by health authorities in Gaza.
The strike occurred in the Salatin region of Beit Lahia on Wednesday while people were gathered to mourn earlier victims of Israeli assaults, according to a report by the Palestinian news agency WAFA, cited by Xinhua.
This incident took place amidst a resurgence of Israeli military actions in Gaza, which officials claim are aimed at Hamas militants. Since the resumption of strikes on Tuesday, Gaza health authorities reported over 430 Palestinian fatalities, marking the end of a weeks-long ceasefire initiated on January 19.
Among the deceased are more than 170 children and 80 women, as stated by Gaza officials.
Israel's military asserts that these operations are intended to “eliminate Hamas threats” and will persist “until strategic objectives are achieved.”
Palestinian health officials have expressed concerns that hospitals are overwhelmed, with emergency services struggling to manage the surge of wounded individuals.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared on Wednesday that the recent airstrikes represent “only the first step.” He warned, “What follows will be far more severe, and you will pay the full price,” in a video released by his office.
Katz further emphasized, “Return the hostages and remove Hamas -- the alternative is total destruction and devastation.”
Additionally, on Wednesday, the Hamas-run media office reported that 2 million residents in Gaza are facing “complete food insecurity” and an “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe” due to Israel’s blockade and the closure of border crossings.
They also warned that numerous bakeries have closed down, severely restricting bread supplies, and accused Israel of denying Gaza access to “the most basic necessities of life.”
The office called for immediate action to reopen crossings, stating that ongoing closures threaten “famine for hundreds of thousands.”
