Israeli aircraft launch series of strikes on Gaza City: Reports
Israel’s military has launched a series of air strikes on Gaza City after threatening a “powerful” attack.
A statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office earlier said he ordered the attack but did not specify the reason. Al Jazeera reported a spate of gunfire and explosions from Rafah city and later Khan Younis.
Witnesses report ‘massive’ explosion near Gaza City hospital
Israel’s military has struck multiple site across Gaza City. One missile fell behind the al-Shifa Hospital near one of the main buildings that was renovated and put back into service.
The attack caused a state of mayhem and panic among patients and medical staff inside the hospital. Eyewitness described the strike as massive. We are in an area about 20 minutes away, and we could hear it from here.
For the past 30 minutes, there has been major activity in the air over Gaza’s skies, with drones hovering above.
This attack follows the order from Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier to strike the Gaza Strip.
Hamas says it’s committed to truce deal as Israel attacks
Suhail al-Hindi, a member of Hamas’s political bureau in Gaza, says the group faces “significant difficulties” during the recovery of the bodies of the Israeli captives and reiterated demands for heavy equipment to assist the process.
“Israel must realise we are committed to the agreement, and they must stop falsely accusing us of violating it,” he told Al Jazeera, adding Hamas asked for the entry of search teams into the “red zones” to locate the bodies, which was refused.
“The resistance has no interest in concealing or delaying the delivery of any prisoner’s body, and we affirm our full commitment to the agreement,” al-Hindi said, referring to the ceasefire that entered into force in early October.
“We have made every effort possible to recover the bodies, and the occupation bears full responsibility for any delay in recovering the remaining bodies,” he added, calling on mediating nations to step in.
Gaza Civil Defence agency confirms air strikes
The extent of Israel’s bombing campaign remains unclear. Gaza City in central Gaza has been targeted, but it remains unclear if other areas will also be hit.
“The occupation is now bombing Gaza with at least three air strikes despite the ceasefire agreement,” said Palestinian Civil Defence agency spokesman Mahmoud Basal.
