In a series of Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, at least 15 Palestinians were killed, including three commanders from the militant group Islamic Jihad.
Palestinian health officials reported that among the dead were eight women and children, while 22 others were injured. Israel stated that the targeted Islamic Jihad leaders were involved in recent attacks on Israeli civilians. Islamic Jihad has vowed revenge, and it is expected that Gaza-based militants will respond with rocket fire into Israel, potentially escalating the situation. The extent of this escalation depends on whether Hamas, which controls Gaza, decides to join in.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the country is prepared for all possibilities and warned its enemies against testing them. These strikes mark the deadliest since hostilities between Israel and Islamic Jihad last August, which resulted in the deaths of 49 Palestinians in Gaza. The recent strikes began early on Tuesday morning with 40 warplanes and helicopters attacking Gaza in multiple waves, causing panic among residents as homes were hit.
The Gaza health ministry reported that among those killed were four children and four women. Half of the injured were women and children, with several in critical condition. Additionally, a Russian citizen, Dr. Jamal Khaswan, along with his wife and son, were killed. Islamic Jihad’s military wing, the al-Quds Brigades, confirmed the deaths of their three commanders, their wives, and some of their children. They pledged to continue their resistance despite the loss.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they struck ten weapon manufacturing sites and six Islamic Jihad military facilities. The IDF spokesperson acknowledged efforts to minimize harm to civilians but acknowledged that relatives of the militants, as well as Dr. Khaswan and his family, were among those killed. Mourners gathered for the funerals, and tensions remain high.
The situation continues to develop, with the risk of further escalations and retaliatory actions from both sides. The international community, including the United Nations, has called for maximum restraint to prevent a broader conflict with devastating consequences
