Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed 12 people, including a family of six, as military operations continue despite a fragile ceasefire. According to Gaza’s civil defence agency and local witnesses, the strikes hit a residential home in central Gaza City and a vehicle in the southern territory, while the United Nations reports that at least 57 Palestinians were killed by Israeli attacks between July 13 and July 20.
Casualties and Military Targets in Gaza
The most recent escalation centered on a multi-storey house in central Gaza City. Gaza’s civil defence agency, which operates under Hamas authority, confirmed that six members of the Al-Masri family died in the blast. Witnesses at the site described the home as charred, with the roof almost entirely collapsed. Al-Shifa hospital staff reported receiving the bodies of the victims, which included four children.
An Israeli military source told AFP that the strike targeted “a Hamas terrorist” in the area. In a separate incident, the Israeli military reported an airstrike in southern Gaza aimed at “several armed terrorists transferring weapons in a vehicle.” These operations are part of a broader Israeli campaign to target Hamas and Islamic Jihad members linked to the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Did you know?
According to the United Nations, at least 57 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks between July 13 and July 20 alone.
Escalating Risks to Civilians
The United Nations has raised concerns regarding the intensity of recent military actions. “The Israeli military has intensified its attacks in Gaza in recent days,” said Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the UN rights office in Geneva. Al-Kheetan stated that “nowhere is safe for Palestinians in Gaza.”
The toll on the civilian population remains high. Since the truce began last October, Gaza’s health ministry reports that at least 1,168 Palestinians have been killed. These figures are considered reliable by the United Nations, though limited access and restrictions on media outlets prevent independent verification of daily tolls by organizations like AFP.
Military and Diplomatic Stagnation
While a ceasefire remains technically in place, the fighting has not ceased. Diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting agreement to end the war have stalled, leaving the territory in a state of continuous conflict. The Israeli military reports that it has lost five soldiers and one civilian contractor in Gaza since the truce took effect.
Ahmed al-Masri, a survivor of the strike on his family home, described the sudden nature of the attack. “The attack took us by surprise,” he said. “I could hear the children crying out for help, yet I was unable to save them.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any safe areas in Gaza?
The UN rights office has stated that “nowhere is safe for Palestinians in Gaza” due to the intensification of military attacks.
How many people have been killed since the truce started?
According to the Gaza health ministry, at least 1,168 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began last October.
Can independent agencies verify these death tolls?
No. Restrictions on media and limited access to the territory prevent independent organizations from verifying casualty figures.
For more updates on the situation in the Middle East, subscribe to our newsletter or explore our ongoing coverage section.