Nine Lives Lost in Israeli Drone Strikes on Gaza
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Synopsis
On March 16, a series of Israeli drone strikes in northern Gaza resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including two journalists. The attacks targeted civilians and a humanitarian team from the Al-Khair Foundation, amidst escalating tensions and ongoing conflicts in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Nine fatalities reported due to drone strikes.
- Attacks targeted civilians and humanitarian workers.
- IDF claims the strikes were against 'terrorists.'
- Escalation in airstrikes amidst ceasefire uncertainties.
- Death toll in Gaza since October 7 exceeds 48,000.
Gaza, March 16 (NationPress) Nine individuals were killed and numerous others wounded on Saturday due to Israeli drone strikes in northern Gaza.
The drone targeted a gathering of civilians in Beit Lahia and struck a vehicle, resulting in the deaths of nine citizens, including two journalists, as reported by the Xinhua news agency citing the official Palestinian news agency WAFA.
The Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza received the deceased and several injured, with some victims in critical condition, according to WAFA.
Additionally, Palestinian sources and witnesses indicated that the drone attacked a team from the Al-Khair Foundation while they were conducting a relief operation.
Among the deceased were photojournalists, a media spokesperson, and a driver, as per the foundation's workers, which is an international Muslim aid NGO based in Britain and Turkey.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged its assault on Beit Lahia in a statement, asserting that the targets were 'terrorists,' including two who allegedly operated a drone that posed a threat to IDF personnel, while others were 'collecting drone operating equipment' and entering a vehicle.
Earlier on Saturday, the IDF reported separately that it had struck down three militants in the Netzarim Corridor of central Gaza who were purportedly trying to plant explosive devices.
The IDF did not provide any information regarding the condition of the three individuals targeted.
As of now, there have been no updates from Gaza authorities concerning the incident in central Gaza.
Israeli forces have recently escalated airstrikes in Gaza amid uncertainties surrounding the viability of a phased ceasefire agreement established between Israel and Hamas in January. The initial six-week phase of the pact concluded on March 1, with discussions on the subsequent phase remaining stalled.
As of now, the death toll from Israeli operations in Gaza since the outbreak of the conflict on October 7, 2023, has surpassed 48,000, with over 111,000 others injured, as per the latest statistics from Gaza's health authorities.
