In a tragic turn of events, relentless Israeli airstrikes across Gaza have claimed dozens of lives, including the head of the Gaza police force, Mahmud Salah, and his deputy, Hussam Shahwan. The attacks, which targeted civilian shelters and supposed “safe zones,” have further escalated the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave. This wave of destruction underscores the pressing need for international intervention and a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.
Strikes Hit Shelters and Humanitarian Zones
The strikes began early Thursday, targeting the al-Mawasi area, a coastal zone near Khan Younis, which was designated as a “humanitarian zone.” Twelve people, including children, were killed in a strike on a tent encampment housing forcibly displaced families. Torrential rains compounded the devastation, flooding the tents and leaving survivors vulnerable to freezing conditions.
High-Profile Losses
The death of Mahmud Salah, who served as Gaza’s police chief for six years, and his deputy, Hussam Shahwan, highlights the severity of the assault. Gaza’s Interior Ministry condemned the killings, emphasizing that Salah and Shahwan were fulfilling their duties to serve and protect the population. The Ministry accused Israel of deliberately spreading chaos and intensifying Gaza’s suffering.
Civilian Death Toll Soars
Other airstrikes ravaged various parts of Gaza, including a gas station near Deir el-Balah, where nine people were killed, and densely populated areas such as Jabalia refugee camp in the north. At least 26 Palestinians were killed in multiple strikes, with bodies arriving at hospitals in pieces due to the intensity of the attacks. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital reported receiving the bodies of eight individuals killed in the central Gaza Strip, all of whom were members of aid committees.
Escalation of Violence
The Israeli military claimed that the strikes were intelligence-based and aimed at eliminating key Hamas figures. It includes Shahwan, who was labeled as a leader in southern Gaza’s security forces. However, there was no acknowledgment of Salah’s death. The strikes follow warnings issued to residents in northern Gaza, who were instructed to flee targeted areas. In addition, this tactic is described by some as psychological warfare.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
As the death toll rises, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Thousands remain displaced, enduring harsh winter conditions with inadequate shelter and limited access to basic necessities. Hospitals, already overwhelmed, are struggling to treat the injured. Reports from UN agencies have condemned the targeting of so-called “safe zones.”
Read: Freezing Conditions in Gaza Claim Infant Lives Amid Ongoing Crisis
Global Calls for Ceasefire
The strikes have drawn condemnation from international organizations and humanitarian groups. Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, criticized the attacks on civilian shelters, calling for an immediate ceasefire. However, the efforts by mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to broker a deal have yet to yield results, leaving Gaza’s residents trapped in an escalating cycle of violence.
A Devastating Start to the Year
The first days of 2025 have brought renewed suffering to Gaza, with over 45,581 deaths reported since October 2023. As displaced Palestinians struggle to survive amidst relentless attacks and freezing weather, the calls for urgent action grow louder. The international community faces mounting pressure to address this humanitarian catastrophe and work towards lasting peace.
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