Israeli forces targeted another tall building in Gaza City yesterday, making it the seventh major tower to be demolished in recent days, as part of the military’s intensified efforts to take control of the city and displace nearly one million Palestinians.
Reports from medical sources indicate that at least 34 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, with 26 casualties in Gaza City alone. Additionally, five more Palestinians, including a child, succumbed to starvation and severe malnutrition within a 24-hour period.
Israel’s UN representative justified the decision to target Hamas leaders in Qatar as appropriate, following criticism from US President Donald Trump regarding the strikes on the US ally’s territory.
Despite the White House stating that Trump disagreed with Israel’s military actions on Tuesday and had alerted Qatar beforehand, Qatar, a host to a significant US military base and a key player in Gaza truce initiatives, claimed it was not informed until the attacks were already underway.
Hamas reported that six individuals, including an aide and an adult son of their top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, three bodyguards, and a Qatari security officer, lost their lives in the strikes. However, the group noted that its senior leaders had survived, demonstrating the “failure of the enemy to eliminate our negotiating team members.”
President Trump emphasized on social media that the decision to strike was made by Prime Minister Netanyahu and not by himself. Qatar’s prime minister emphasized the country’s right to retaliate against the Israeli assault, which it described as a “defining moment” for the region.
International condemnation poured in from Russia and China, criticizing the operation for undermining peace efforts in the Middle East. Moscow characterized the incident as a serious breach of international law, infringing on the sovereignty of an independent state and escalating tensions. Beijing echoed similar concerns, expressing dissatisfaction with actions hindering ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.
Together with the United States and Egypt, Qatar has been actively involved in multiple peace attempts to end the Israel-Hamas conflict and secure the release of remaining hostages.
EU leader Ursula von der Leyen announced intentions to impose sanctions on “extremist” Israeli officials and restrict trade relations due to the dire situation in Gaza.
According to the health ministry in Gaza controlled by Hamas, Israel’s offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 64,605 Palestinians, with a majority being civilians, figures that the United Nations deems credible.