At least 14 Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Friday, including eight people killed when a drone targeted a funeral procession in the Al-Balata market area of the Nuseirat refugee camp. According to Gaza’s civil defence agency and Al-Awda Hospital, the strike also left 20 others injured.
Casualties in Nuseirat Refugee Camp
The strike in the Nuseirat refugee camp occurred as mourners gathered outside the Ahmad Yassin Mosque. Witnesses reported that the drone hit the group as they prepared to begin a funeral procession for a Palestinian killed in an earlier attack in the same vicinity. Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud reported that the strike directly targeted individuals participating in the procession.
The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating it targeted a “terrorist” cell in central Gaza. In a statement reported by AFP, the military acknowledged claims that “several uninvolved individuals were harmed” and stated the results of the operation are currently under review.
Did you know?
Research group ACLED reported that Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip reached their highest monthly total in May since the “ceasefire” began last October, with over 40 recorded incidents.
Escalating Strikes Across the Gaza Strip
Friday’s violence extended beyond the Nuseirat camp. According to the Palestinian Wafa news agency, a 52-year-old woman was killed in Beit Lahia after a drone dropped a bomb near the Abu Tammam School. Additional attacks were reported throughout the territory:
- Az-Zawayda: One person was killed and several injured after a strike hit a gathering of Palestinians.
- Al-Sawarha: A strike on a structure housing displaced people resulted in one fatality.
- Gaza City: A drone strike on an apartment killed one person and wounded several others, including children.
- Khan Younis: A woman died from wounds sustained during Israeli gunfire southwest of the city.
The Status of the Ceasefire Agreement
Despite the implementation of a nominal ceasefire in October, data indicates that military operations have continued on a regular basis. Hamas condemned Friday’s events, characterizing the strikes as a “heinous crime” and a violation of the agreement. The group stated that these actions occur while mediators and the international community observe the ongoing military activity.
Analysis from the Israeli newspaper Haaretz suggests a consistent pattern of civilian impact. The publication reported that 274 children have been killed since the ceasefire began, averaging one child fatality per day. Observers on the ground, such as Hani Mahmoud, noted that the continuous “mechanical hum” of drones over Gaza remains a constant feature of the current environment, complicating efforts to rebuild or restore normalcy to the territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of the casualties at the Nuseirat refugee camp?
According to Gaza’s civil defence agency, an Israeli drone strike targeted a funeral procession outside the Ahmad Yassin Mosque, killing eight people and injuring at least 20.
How has the Israeli military responded to reports of civilian harm?
The Israeli military stated it targeted a “terrorist” cell in central Gaza. It acknowledged reports of harm to uninvolved individuals and stated that the incident is under review.
Is the frequency of strikes changing in Gaza?
Yes. The research group ACLED reported that Israeli attacks increased in May, marking the highest monthly total since the ceasefire agreement began in October.
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