Israeli strike in Gaza kills family of 4

Gaza City witnessed a tragic incident on Thursday as an Israeli strike killed a family of four, including two children, according to Palestinian hospital and security sources. The victims were identified as Ahmad family members, aged 12 and eight. Their bodies were retrieved in pieces from a house in the Beit Lahia Project area of northern Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military, however, stated that they were investigating the incident. Additionally, Palestinian security sources in Gaza reported that Israeli warplanes targeted both Beit Lahia and the Jabalia refugee camp the previous night. The Israeli forces are also known to have fired on tents of displaced people and ambulances.

This incident further highlights Israel's ongoing violations in the Gaza Strip. Since October last year, when Israel agreed to a ceasefire brokered by the US, the Israeli military has expanded its operations further into Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue strikes targeting Hamas, the group responsible for the devastating Oct 7, 2023, attack against Israel, and insists on maintaining a presence in Gaza until Hamas relinquishes all its weapons.

Israel often identifies its targets after the fact. According to the Gaza health ministry, which operates under Hamas and whose figures are generally considered reliable by the UN, Israeli strikes have claimed over 1,300 lives since the ceasefire was announced. The Israeli army has reported five of its own soldiers killed and one civilian contractor among its casualties during the same period.