22 killed, 45 wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza
- In Reports
- 02:12 PM, Jun 22, 2024
- Myind Staff
The International Committee of the Red Cross reported that 22 people were killed on Friday due to shelling that severely damaged its office in Gaza, amid increased Israeli military strikes in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Tensions have escalated along the Lebanese border, with exchanges of fire occurring between Israel and Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed militant group. These developments have heightened concerns about the potential for a broader conflict.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern on Friday, cautioning that the ongoing hostilities across borders must not transform Lebanon into "another Gaza". He warned of the catastrophic consequences that could ensue, stressing the risk of triggering a humanitarian disaster of unprecedented proportions.
Israel intensified strikes in Gaza, with reports of at least 30 dead at a hospital in Gaza City. The ICRC reported 22 dead and 45 wounded near its Gaza office, which was near displaced persons' tents. The Hamas health ministry blamed Israel for the shelling, with 25 dead and 50 wounded in the Al-Mawasi area. Israel's Defense Force said the incident is under review.
In Gaza, airstrikes killed around 30 people according to Al-Ahli hospital, amid ongoing hostilities. Five municipal workers died in a Gaza City garage bombing. Israeli military operations were reported north and south of the Central Gaza Strip Corridor.
Simultaneously, tensions escalated along the Lebanese border. Hezbollah fired rockets at an Israeli barracks in response to a deadly airstrike in south Lebanon, which killed a Hezbollah operative. Hezbollah also claimed attacks on Israeli troops and positions with drones on Friday.
The Israeli military has confirmed conducting multiple retaliatory strikes on consecutive days. On Friday, Israeli jets targeted several Hezbollah installations in southern Lebanon, including a military structure in Khiam, a military post in Meiss El Jabal, and terrorist infrastructure in Taybeh and Tallouseh, according to a statement from the army.
There is divided expert opinion regarding the possibility of a broader conflict, now nearly nine months into Israel's campaign aimed at eradicating Hamas from the Gaza Strip.
Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the Israeli military announced on Tuesday that plans for an offensive in Lebanon have been authorised and validated.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned that in a wider conflict, no part of Israel would be spared from their rockets, and he also issued a threat towards nearby European Union member Cyprus. With concerns raised by the "warlike rhetoric" from both sides, UN Secretary-General Guterres stated on Friday that the risk of a full-scale war is genuine.
He remarked, "One impulsive action -- one miscalculation -- could trigger a catastrophe extending well beyond the border, and frankly, beyond imagination." The United States, an ally of Israel, has urged all parties to pursue de-escalation.
The violence along the Lebanon border began after an October 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants from Gaza, resulting in 1,194 deaths, mostly civilians. Despite months of failed negotiations for a truce and hostage release, Qatar continues mediation efforts.
The conflict has devastated Gaza's infrastructure, leaving residents desperate for food and fuel. Although Israel announced a daily pause in military activity to aid Gaza, humanitarian supplies remain insufficient. Gaza's health system is severely strained, with only 17 hospitals partially operational out of 36.
Israel's military confirmed two more soldiers killed in Gaza, bringing the total to at least 312 since ground operations began. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing corruption charges, confronted protests demanding hostage releases and accused him of prolonging the conflict. Netanyahu pledged to remain in Gaza until all hostages are returned. Armenia's recognition of "the State of Palestine" led Israel to summon its ambassador for a strong rebuke.
Image source: ANI
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