Israel airstrike kills ten as civilians collect water in Gaza
- The Israeli airstrike targeted an area in Nuseirat Camp where civilians were collecting water.
- Witnesses reported seeing the strike hit the crowd, resulting in numerous casualties, including children.
- The incident highlights the escalating violence and civilian toll amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
On July 13, 2023, an Israeli airstrike in Nuseirat Camp, located in the central Gaza Strip, resulted in the deaths of ten individuals, including six children. Eyewitnesses reported that these victims were part of a larger group waiting to fill their water containers when the strike occurred. Medical officials from the Al-Awda hospital confirmed that the bodies were received there, with numerous others injured due to the incident. The atmosphere in Gaza has deteriorated as reports indicated a significant lack of water and food supply amid ongoing military operations. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the airstrike was intended to target an Islamic Jihad militant in the area but described a 'technical error' that caused the missile to misfire and strike the crowd instead. Following the attack, numerous calls emerged from emergency response teams, indicating the dire situation faced by civilians in the region. This incident reflects a pattern of increased civilian casualties during military operations, with at least 139 Palestinians reported killed within just 24 hours due to various airstrikes across Gaza. In the wake of these strikes, humanitarian conditions in Gaza have reached alarming levels. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) highlighted the impact of fuel shortages on water systems, hospitals, and overall health infrastructure. With the population struggling to access essential resources, the fear of disease outbreaks looms larger as the situation becomes increasingly desperate for families affected by the violence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel's firm stance regarding its military objectives in the region, emphasizing the need to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages. Conversely, Hamas has stated its willingness to negotiate a comprehensive exchange deal, but these discussions have not led to tangible results. As hostilities continue, the number of casualties has surged, with over 58,000 Palestinians reported dead, underlining the scale of devastation affecting the civilian population amid the ongoing conflict.