Palestinian women look out from inside a destroyed building after Israeli forces withdrew from a part of Nuseirat, following a ground operation amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, November 29, 2024. REUTERS/Abd Elhkeem Khaled
Israeli Strikes in Gaza Leave Over 40 Dead
Israeli air and ground strikes killed at least 40 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip overnight and on Friday, primarily in the Nuseirat refugee camp, medics reported. The strikes came as Israeli forces withdrew from northern areas of Nuseirat while maintaining operations in its western regions.
Casualties and Damage in Nuseirat
Medical teams recovered 19 bodies from northern Nuseirat, a densely populated refugee camp in central Gaza. The ongoing conflict has severely hampered rescue efforts, with emergency teams unable to respond to distress calls from trapped residents.
In a particularly devastating incident, a grieving husband was seen mourning over his wife’s body, saying:
“Forgive me, my wife, forgive me, my Ibtissam.”
Airstrike in Beit Lahiya
An Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahiya, a northern Gaza town, killed at least 10 people in a residential house on Friday. Additional fatalities were reported across northern and southern Gaza. Medics also confirmed the death of Ahmed Al-Kahlout, head of the Intensive Care Unit at Kamal Adwan Hospital, reportedly killed by an Israeli drone. The Israeli military stated it was unaware of any strike in that area.
Kamal Adwan Hospital, along with other facilities in northern Gaza, faces critical shortages of medical supplies, food, and fuel. Most of its staff have been detained or expelled, health officials said.
Ongoing Military Operations and Displacement
Israeli forces continued operations in Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Jabalia, aiming to disrupt Hamas militants’ ability to regroup. Residents reported widespread displacement as the Israeli army depopulated these towns and camps.
The broader Israeli campaign has killed nearly 44,300 people and displaced nearly all of Gaza’s population at least once, according to Gaza officials. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Release of Detainees
Approximately 30 Palestinians detained during the Gaza offensive were released on Friday, arriving at a southern Gaza hospital for medical examinations. Many released detainees accused Israeli authorities of mistreatment and torture during their imprisonment, allegations Israel denies.
Ceasefire Prospects
Efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have stalled, though a separate ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon took effect earlier this week. U.S. President Joe Biden has announced plans to renew efforts for a Gaza ceasefire, urging both sides to seize the opportunity.
Background on the Conflict
The current war began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israeli communities 13 months ago, killing approximately 1,200 people and capturing more than 250 hostages. Israel’s military campaign in response has devastated Gaza, with heavy casualties and widespread destruction reported.
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