12 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strike Says Gaza Civil Defense

Post by : Priya

  Photo:AFP

A deadly airstrike carried out by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip has left 12 Palestinians dead, according to reports from the Gaza Civil Defense. The incident occurred during the night and targeted what Israel claimed was a location used by armed militants. However, local officials and eyewitnesses state that the strike hit a densely populated residential area, leading to heavy civilian casualties.

This tragedy marks yet another chapter in the long-running conflict between Israel and the Palestinian population in Gaza. The ongoing violence continues to bring suffering and fear to innocent civilians caught in the crossfire, as international calls for de-escalation grow louder.

The Attack and Immediate Aftermath

According to the Gaza Civil Defense, the airstrike struck a neighborhood in central Gaza late at night, destroying several homes. Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the area and worked through the night to search for survivors trapped under the rubble.

Mohammed al-Kahlout, a spokesperson for the Civil Defense, confirmed that 12 people were killed, including women and children. "We pulled out the bodies of families who were sleeping in their homes. There was no warning. They had no time to escape," he said.

Footage from the scene shows destroyed buildings, twisted steel, and scattered debris. Children were seen crying in the arms of rescuers, while families searched desperately for missing loved ones. Hospitals in Gaza reported receiving many injured civilians, with doctors working in overcrowded emergency rooms under limited resources.

Voices from the Ground

Residents in the affected area shared their horror and grief. “It felt like the sky was falling on us,” said Nidal Abu Rukbah, whose home was severely damaged. “There was fire everywhere. My cousins were inside the house when the missile hit. They didn’t make it out.”

Others described the chaos in the moments following the explosion. With no electricity in many parts of Gaza due to the ongoing blockade and infrastructure breakdown, people relied on phone flashlights and candles to search for survivors.

One doctor at Al-Ahli Hospital said they received patients with serious injuries, including burns, fractures, and head trauma. “Our supplies are almost empty. We are treating patients on the floor,” he said. “This is not a hospital anymore. It’s a disaster site.”

Israel's Position

The Israeli military released a statement claiming the strike targeted a facility used by members of Hamas, the group that governs Gaza. The statement said that the area was being used to plan and launch attacks against Israeli territory, and that all military operations are carried out with care to avoid civilian harm.

However, Palestinian authorities reject this explanation, saying the area was a civilian neighborhood and that no militant activity was reported there.

This is not the first time Israel has faced criticism for targeting areas with civilians. Human rights groups have documented numerous incidents in past years where airstrikes caused high numbers of non-combatant deaths. They argue that such actions may violate international humanitarian law.

A City in Crisis

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening by the day. This recent airstrike is just one of many that have occurred in the last few weeks. Over 100 people have died since the latest wave of violence began, and thousands more have been injured or displaced.

Gaza’s infrastructure—already fragile due to years of conflict, blockade, and underinvestment—is crumbling. Power cuts last for up to 18 hours daily, clean water is limited, and access to medicine and fuel is severely restricted. Hospitals, schools, and emergency services are overwhelmed.

Families have taken shelter in UN-run schools, mosques, or even makeshift tents after fleeing their homes. Many have nowhere safe to go, as airstrikes can happen at any time and in any location.

International Response

The international community has reacted with concern and condemnation. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians, especially children and women.

UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lynn Hastings, said in a statement, “The killing of civilians must stop. All parties have an obligation under international law to protect those not involved in the fighting.”

Qatar, Egypt, and other regional players have also urged both sides to return to negotiations and end the cycle of violence. However, previous attempts at brokering peace have repeatedly broken down due to lack of trust, political division, and unresolved issues such as borders, the status of Jerusalem, and the blockade of Gaza.

Calls for Accountability

Human rights groups are demanding independent investigations into the deaths. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have asked the United Nations to step in and hold those responsible for the targeting of civilian areas accountable.

In a statement, Amnesty said, “The international community must act to prevent further bloodshed and bring justice to the victims. This level of impunity cannot continue.”

Despite the outrage, little has changed on the ground. The people of Gaza continue to face the threat of violence on a daily basis, while international diplomacy struggles to produce meaningful results.

Families Left in Mourning

As the sun rose the next morning, funerals began across Gaza. Entire families gathered to bury their loved ones, offering prayers for the souls of the departed. Black flags of mourning flew outside many homes. Children stood silently, still in shock from the night before.

Layla Ahmad, who lost her husband and two daughters, said with tears in her eyes, “What did we do to deserve this? We were just living in our home, hoping for peace.”

Her words reflect the pain and frustration felt by thousands across Gaza. With no end to the conflict in sight, many fear that the suffering will only continue.

Israel Gaza conflict