DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) – On Saturday, an Israeli drone strike in southern Gaza resulted in the death of two Palestinian siblings, including a 15-year-old girl. The attack, which wounded at least seven others, targeted tents that were sheltering displaced Palestinians in the Muwasi camp. The victims were identified as 15-year-old Islam Moussa and her 30-year-old brother, Abdullah Moussa. The casualties were reported by Nasser hospital, where relatives mourned over the bodies draped in white burial shrouds.
The Israeli military confirmed that it conducted a strike in Muwasi, stating it was aimed at a Hamas militant, although no further details were provided about the specific target of the attack. In another incident on the same day, residents in Gaza City reported a loud explosion when an Israeli military strike hit another tent sheltering displaced Palestinians. At least 12 individuals were injured as a result, with Shifa hospital reporting that two people were in critical condition and most of the injured were women.
Despite a fragile ceasefire that was established in October 2023 to halt the heaviest fighting between Israel and Hamas, Israel continues to execute near-daily strikes and shelling across the densely populated coastal enclave. Both parties have exchanged accusations of violating the ceasefire terms. While Israel asserts that it is targeting Hamas and other militants posing a threat, it claims its responses are in retaliation for ceasefire violations.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, more than 1,030 people have been killed in strikes by Israel in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect. Among the deceased, the ministry reported over 250 children, indicating the high toll on vulnerable populations during this conflict. These casualty figures are generally regarded as reliable by United Nations agencies and independent experts, though the ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its records.
A United Nations expert team has accused Israel of deliberately targeting children in Gaza and reiterated claims of genocide in the region, which Israel has categorically denied during the ongoing conflict. The violence reignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 individuals. In retaliation, Israel's military operations have claimed the lives of more than 73,050 Palestinians, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry, including those killed since the ceasefire was put in place.
These incidents depict the continued cycle of violence and suffering in Gaza, underscoring the complexity and tragic consequences of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has unfolded over multiple weeks and has left countless families devastated.
