The conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, with Israeli airstrikes causing significant civilian casualties. On August 17, 2024, an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza killed at least 15 members of the Ajlah family, including nine children and three women. The attack targeted a house and warehouse in the Al-Zawaida neighborhood, where displaced people were sheltering. Mahmoud Bsal, spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defense, stated, ‘The strike targeted a house belonging to the ‘Al Ajla’ family in the Al Zawaida neighborhood in central Gaza’.The ongoing violence has pushed the death toll in Gaza beyond 40,000 since October 7, 2023, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. In the past 24 hours alone, 69 people were killed and 136 injured. The ministry noted that thousands of victims remain trapped under rubble or on streets, with rescue teams unable to reach them due to ongoing bombardment and hazardous conditions.Despite international efforts to broker a ceasefire, the situation remains volatile. Hamas has rejected the latest US ceasefire proposal, with Hamas official Sami Abou Zohri dismissing it as an ‘illusion’ that would require a significant ‘retreat’. Meanwhile, the Israeli army has ordered new evacuations in parts of central Gaza, including areas around the Maghazi urban refugee camp, citing persistent rocket fire from Hamas.The international community continues to express concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Aid and health workers fear a possible polio outbreak amidst the devastation. US President Joe Biden expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a ceasefire agreement, stating it is closer now than it was a few days ago. However, the ongoing violence and rejection of proposals by both sides continue to complicate peace efforts.
Key points
- The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 40,000 since October 7, 2023.
- Hamas has rejected the latest US ceasefire proposal, calling it an ‘illusion’.
- Israeli airstrikes continue to cause significant civilian casualties, including entire families.
- The international community expresses growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Contradictions👾While US President Joe Biden expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire agreement, Hamas rejected the latest proposal, indicating a significant gap between the parties’ positions.
