Families Mourn in Gaza as Violence Continues
CAIRO/GAZA: On Monday, relatives gathered to mourn the loss of their loved ones in Khan Younis, where the bodies of Palestinians killed in an Israeli strike were laid to rest. The deceased, draped in white cloth, were carried to their graves amid heartbreak and grief.
Health officials reported that at least 20 people, including children, lost their lives on Sunday when a strike targeted a school that was housing displaced families in southern Gaza.
The Israeli military claimed on Monday that they targeted Hamas, stating that the site was being used for military operations and had previously functioned as a UN-run school. They alleged it was also a training facility for planning attacks against Israeli forces.
As mourners wept, men transported the bodies on stretchers, stopping to conduct funeral prayers on the ground. Manal Tafesh, who lost her brother and his children in the strike, expressed her sorrow, saying, “Our children are gone. When will this darkness end?”
The Israeli military has accused Hamas of using civilian spaces, such as schools, hospitals, and mosques, for military purposes. Hamas has denied these claims, arguing that they serve as a cover for what they consider the indiscriminate killing of civilians.
As the airstrikes continued on Monday, Palestinian health officials reported at least 10 more fatalities from various attacks across the region. Among the casualties were four people from a strike in Beit Lahiya and several others in Nuseirat and Rafah.
The ongoing military campaign has taken a devastating toll, with nearly 45,000 people, mostly civilians, reported dead, according to Gaza authorities. The situation has displaced a significant portion of the population, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
Amid the violence, there have been ongoing efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to negotiate a truce, which could also address hostage situations. However, no significant progress has emerged so far.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned he had discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump about securing the release of hostages, emphasizing the need for Israel to achieve victory in the ongoing conflict.
