Israel-Gaza WAR
At Least 27 Killed in Central Gaza Airstrike as U.S. Envoy Visits the Region
An Israeli airstrike on a densely populated refugee camp in central Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 27 people, predominantly women and children. The strike targeted a house in the Nuseirat camp, a Palestinian refugee settlement established post-1948 Arab-Israeli war, and occurred early Sunday morning, according to reports from Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and the Civil Defense.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and devastating, with rescuers working tirelessly to pull bodies from the rubble. The victims included members of the Hasan family, who were residing in the targeted house. The airstrike has left the community in mourning and has intensified the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
This incident unfolded as U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan arrived in the region for high-level discussions with Israeli officials. Sullivan's visit aims to address the ongoing conflict and explore potential pathways to peace, including a controversial American proposal for Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel and assist in governing Gaza, leading to eventual Palestinian statehood. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a staunch opponent of Palestinian statehood, has rejected these proposals, advocating instead for Israel to maintain security control over Gaza and collaborate with local Palestinians not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
The airstrike in Nuseirat is part of a broader Israeli military campaign that has seen intensified air and ground operations across Gaza. The Israeli military has justified these actions as necessary to eliminate Hamas militants and their infrastructure. However, the high civilian toll has drawn widespread condemnation from international human rights organizations and has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
The conflict, now in its eighth month, began following a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 others. Since then, the war has claimed at least 35,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, and displaced approximately 80% of the territory's 2.3 million residents, many of whom have been forced to relocate multiple times.
In addition to the airstrike in Nuseirat, heavy fighting and bombardments have been reported in northern Gaza, particularly in the Jabalia refugee camp. Israeli forces have re-entered areas they previously cleared, aiming to prevent Hamas from regrouping. The Gaza Civil Emergency Service reported that at least 150 bodies, more than half of them women and children, have been recovered since the operation in Jabalia began. The relentless bombardment has also resulted in the destruction of around 300 homes.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with the United Nations and aid organizations warning of an impending famine. The blockade imposed by Israel has severely restricted the flow of essential supplies, including food, fuel, and medical aid. Residents in some areas are reportedly scavenging for wild plants and animal feed to survive, while the daily influx of aid trucks has dwindled significantly.
Netanyahu's government is facing mounting internal and external pressure over its handling of the conflict. Benny Gantz, a centrist member of the War Cabinet, has threatened to resign if a post-war administration plan for Gaza is not established by June 8. Gantz's departure would not collapse Netanyahu's coalition but would leave him more reliant on far-right allies who advocate for the "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians, full military occupation, and the reconstruction of Jewish settlements in Gaza.
The United States, Israel's closest ally, has provided crucial military aid and diplomatic support for the offensive but has also expressed growing frustration with Israel's conduct of the war. The Biden administration recently withheld a shipment of bombs and announced it would not provide offensive weapons for a full-scale invasion of Rafah, citing humanitarian concerns. Despite this, the administration has continued to support Israel with significant military aid.
As the conflict rages on, the international community remains deeply divided over the path to peace. Diplomatic efforts to broker a cease-fire, mediated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, have made little progress. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with thousands of Palestinians in desperate need of aid and protection.
The tragic airstrike in Nuseirat serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for a resolution that addresses the underlying issues and brings lasting peace to the region.