Gaza War: Amid Ceasefire Talks, Israel Launches Big Attack On Gaza Strip, Over 23 Killed

Tel Aviv: Amidst talks on a second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza and the decision to reopen the Rafah border crossing, Israel launched heavy airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Saturday. ​​At least 23 Palestinians were killed in the Israeli attacks early Saturday morning, according to hospital officials. This is one of the deadliest attacks since the ceasefire agreement in October.

What were the targets of Israeli attacks?

Officials at Nasser and Shifa hospitals said the attacks targeted an apartment building in Gaza City and a camp in Khan Younis. They said the dead included two women and six children from two different families. Shifa hospital officials said the attack in Gaza City killed a woman, her three children, and a relative. Nasser hospital officials said the attack on the camp sparked a fire, killing seven people, including a man and his three children.

What did the Gaza Health Ministry say?

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 500 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire came into effect on October 10. The ministry, run by the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed records of the dead and wounded, which are generally considered reliable by UN agencies and independent experts. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the attacks.

The attacks came a day after Israel announced that the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt would be reopened for limited traffic starting February 1. The crossing had been closed for nearly two years. Israel also gave the green light to begin ceasefire talks after the remains of the last remaining hostage from Gaza were recovered.