Gaza City: The Israeli army has killed 35 more Palestinians in a series of deadly strikes across the Gaza Strip since early Monday, according to medics. The ongoing conflict has further devastated the war-torn region.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, a medical source reported that 15 individuals were killed in attacks targeting homes and tents sheltering displaced civilians in Khan Younis, a southern city in Gaza. Among the casualties was a person fatally shot by a live bullet, whose body was taken to the Nasser Medical Complex. This individual was identified as Ahmed Sarhan, a commander of the Popular Resistance Committees, a group based in Gaza.
Security sources and witnesses revealed that an Israeli special force, disguised in women's clothing, infiltrated western Khan Younis to assassinate Sarhan, leaving behind a box resembling aid items for displaced populations. Following the operation, Sarhan's wife and children, including a 10-year-old, were detained by Israeli forces. The attack also saw communication services in Khan Younis disrupted, as reported by the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Sarhan's group has confirmed his death during clashes with Israeli forces.
Medics further reported that five Palestinians were killed and several others injured when Israeli shelling targeted a UN-run school in the Nuseirat refugee camp, which was housing displaced civilians. In northern Gaza, seven civilians lost their lives due to Israeli attacks, with five fatalities occurring in a marketplace strike in the Jabalia refugee camp, and two in Gaza City.
Central Gaza endured several Israeli strikes on tents and homes, resulting in the deaths of eight Palestinians, including three children and one woman, and injuring several others. Witnesses noted that Israeli artillery targeted Qarara town, Nasser Medical Complex, and a security post northeast of Khan Younis, though no injuries were reported.
The Israeli army also shelled Beit Lahia in the north and the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. This escalation follows the initiation of a broad ground offensive by the Israeli army in Gaza on Sunday. Since October 2023, the Israeli offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 53,300 Palestinians, predominantly women and children.
The International Criminal Court previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in the enclave.