Tue Nov 05 13:05:42 UTC 2024: ## Israeli Airstrike Kills 20 in Northern Gaza, Mostly Women and Children
**Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip (November 5, 2024):** An Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza has killed at least 20 people, most of whom were women and children, according to Palestinian officials. The strike, which occurred late Monday night, targeted a home in Beit Lahiya, where several displaced families were seeking shelter.
The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted a weapons storage facility used by militants, and that precautions were taken to minimize civilian casualties. However, Palestinian officials reported that the strike killed eight women and six children.
Separate airstrikes in other parts of Gaza early Tuesday killed another 10 people, including four children and two women.
The Israeli offensive in northern Gaza began after claims that Hamas militants had regrouped in the area. Despite previous operations, Hamas continues to carry out hit-and-run attacks on Israeli troops and launch occasional rockets into Israel.
The military has ordered the complete evacuation of Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and the Jabaliya refugee camp, effectively cutting off humanitarian aid to the region for over a month. This has drawn criticism from the Biden administration, which has warned of potential restrictions on military aid to Israel if the situation does not change.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced to Gaza City, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Hospitals serving the area have become largely inaccessible due to the fighting, and ambulances have been forced to cease operations.
The recent offensive has heightened concerns among Palestinians about a potential “surrender-or-starve” plan for northern Gaza. While the Israeli military denies receiving any such orders, the government has not addressed the plan’s implementation.
The ongoing war, which began with Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7th, has resulted in the deaths of over 43,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry estimates over half of the victims were women and children.
The conflict has also taken the lives of over 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians. Approximately 100 hostages remain inside Gaza, with about a third believed to be dead.
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