Israeli airstrikes on a tent and a home sheltering displaced individuals in southern Gaza killed at least 10 people, including five children, on Sunday, as Palestinians marked the first day of Eid al-Fitr. The attack, which occurred in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis, also left 20 others injured, according to Yamen Abu Suleiman, the city’s Director of Civil Defense. Local hospital officials confirmed the fatalities and warned that the death toll could rise.
Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes following the strike. Footage circulating on social media showed a man dragging a child toward the hospital, exclaiming, “What was these children’s fault? They did nothing.” Many of the victims were reportedly wearing new Eid clothing, traditionally worn by children during the three-day holiday.
Escalation of Israeli Military Operations
The airstrikes come as Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza, nearly two weeks after the collapse of a two-month ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the renewed offensive, stating that it was part of efforts to pressure Hamas into releasing more hostages. Netanyahu also reiterated his commitment to implementing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to relocate Palestinians from the territory, a proposal widely criticized by international human rights organizations.
Since the resumption of hostilities, Israel has imposed a blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, further straining an already dire situation. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed since the offensive resumed, with heavy bombardments reported across the enclave.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens During Eid
For Palestinians in Gaza, the ongoing conflict has overshadowed Eid celebrations. Many families are struggling to secure basic necessities, with food supplies dwindling and prices soaring. Ameneh Shaqla, a displaced woman, shared the difficulties of maintaining Eid traditions amid the crisis.
“Every year, I’m used to baking Eid cookies for my children,” Shaqla told reporters. “But because of the current situation and how expensive everything has become, I was only able to prepare one kilogram—just to bring them some joy so they don’t stay sad because of the war.”
Similarly, street vendor Abdel Fattah Khalil Karnawi described the financial struggles facing families hoping to buy new clothing for their children. “We came to the market to get Eid clothes for the children. Unfortunately, the circumstances are tough and prices are very high,” he said.
Conclusion
The latest Israeli airstrikes have added to the growing toll of civilian casualties in Gaza, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as the enclave marks a somber Eid al-Fitr. With no immediate resolution in sight and mounting international concerns, the situation remains dire for the Palestinian population. As global calls for a ceasefire intensify, the region braces for further escalations in the ongoing conflict.
