In a devastating incident in the Gaza Strip, an airstrike targeted a mosque in the central region, resulting in the loss of 18 lives. The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, October 6, 2024, near the al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al-Balah, a city known for its refugee camp established in 1948.
The mosque, which had been serving as a shelter for displaced individuals, was struck in what appears to be an Israeli military operation. An Associated Press journalist confirmed the casualty count at the hospital morgue, where records indicated that all the deceased were male. Additionally, two men sustained critical injuries in the attack.
This incident adds to the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the death toll is rapidly approaching 42,000, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The ministry's figures do not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties, but it has been noted that a significant number of the deceased are women and children.
The Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated areas globally, has been under an Israeli-Egyptian blockade since 2007. The current conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack on Israel, has led to widespread destruction and displacement of civilians.
International humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilian targets, including places of worship. However, the use of mosques as shelters has become common in Gaza due to the scarcity of safe spaces. The United Nations has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in the region, emphasizing the urgent need to address the severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
The al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital, one of the main medical facilities in central Gaza, has been overwhelmed with casualties throughout the conflict. The ongoing violence has severely damaged Gaza's infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, further complicating relief efforts.
As of the time of reporting, the Israeli military has not provided any comment regarding the strike on the mosque. Israel has consistently stated that it attempts to minimize civilian casualties but accuses Hamas of using human shields.
The International Criminal Court has opened an investigation into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories, while international aid organizations continue to face significant challenges in delivering assistance to Gaza due to the ongoing conflict.
As the death toll rises and the humanitarian situation worsens, global protests and diplomatic efforts to broker peace have intensified. The conflict's impact extends far beyond the immediate region, sparking debates about the use of airstrikes in urban areas and the responsibilities of all parties involved in protecting civilian lives.
"We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. The situation in Gaza is dire, and civilians are bearing the brunt of this conflict. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and protect civilian lives and infrastructure."
The incident in Deir al-Balah serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tragedy unfolding in the Gaza Strip, where each day brings new casualties and deepens the humanitarian crisis. As the international community grapples with finding a resolution, the people of Gaza continue to endure unimaginable suffering in a conflict that shows no signs of abating.