An Israeli airstrike struck an apartment building in Gaza City early Saturday, killing at least five Palestinians, including four women, according to health and civil defense officials. Among the dead were a Christian mother and her daughter.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. The building was destroyed and a fire broke out. Eyewitness Ahmed Al-Dahdouh told Reuters: “We were asleep when we heard continuous strikes and heavy explosions. The children woke up startled and started running and screaming. We ran out and found our neighbor’s house had been struck. There were dismembered bodies—women, men, and children—scattered under the rubble.”
Dahdouh added: “We are Muslims, and these are our Christian brethren. They are not involved in anything; they are peaceful people, and everybody loves them. Now we pulled out their bodies—a mother and her daughter.”
The US-brokered ceasefire last year called for eventual reconstruction of Gaza, but little progress has been made on implementing a deal requiring Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw its troops. Israel says Hamas has been rearming and launching attacks in violation of the ceasefire, leading to increased strikes in recent weeks. Hamas denies trying to carry out attacks or rebuild its arsenal and accuses Israel of undermining the peace deal. Gaza health officials say at least 1,400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since last October’s ceasefire, while Israel says four soldiers have been killed by militants in Gaza over the same period.
Also Read
- Presidential Leadership Council Chief Al-Alimi Launches Operations to Reclaim Houthi-Held Yemeni Territories
- Saudi-led Demining Effort in Yemen Clears 1,256 Explosives, Total Reaches 594,745
- Courts backlog will fall despite scrapping of jury trial plan, minister says
- Brazil’s Presidential Feud: Lula and Bolsonaro Prepare for Definite Run For The Top Spot