At least 14 Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli air and drone strikes across the Gaza Strip, according to local sources. Among the dead were eight people reportedly killed in a drone strike targeting mourners attending a funeral in the Nuseirat refugee camp.
According to Al Jazeera, the strikes took place on Friday (July 17) in several parts of Gaza. Palestinian officials said Israeli military operations have continued despite the announcement of a ceasefire.
The deadliest incident was reported in the Al-Balata market area of the Nuseirat refugee camp. Gaza’s Civil Defence Agency and Al-Awda Hospital said eight people were killed and at least 20 others injured in the attack.
Local residents alleged that the strike occurred as mourners were carrying the body of a deceased person following funeral prayers. Witnesses said a drone targeted people gathered outside the Ahmed Yassin Mosque.
The Israeli military said it had carried out a strike against what it described as an armed group’s position in central Gaza. It added that reports of civilian casualties were being reviewed.
Hamas said Israeli attacks have continued despite the ceasefire, accusing Israel of deliberately keeping the civilian population under constant fear.
Additional strikes were also reported in northern and southern Gaza. A woman was killed in a drone strike in Beit Lahia, while another person was killed in Az-Zawayda. One more fatality was reported after shelling hit a shelter for displaced people west of Nuseirat.
In Gaza City, a drone strike on a residential building killed one person and wounded several others. In Khan Younis, a woman who had previously been injured died while receiving medical treatment.
According to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), violence in Gaza has not subsided despite ceasefire announcements. Instead, the organization says the intensity of attacks has increased since May, with more than 40 Israeli airstrikes recorded last month.
The report added that the widespread destruction, continuing military operations, and the constant sound of drones have made any return to normal life increasingly difficult for Gaza’s civilian population.
Source: Al Jazeera.