Worst attacks on Gaza since Operation Cast Lead
The attacks of the last four days have bought death and destruction to Gaza’s civilians, as well as a removal of their basic living requirements.
Since Friday 9th March, 21 Palestinian civilians, including children, have been killed and over 60 injured in Israeli air raids in the eastern part of the Gaza strip, the southern town of Rafah and Khan Yunis.The situation in the region continues to escalate.
The recent aggression seems to have begun with the murder of Popular Resistance Committees leader Zuhair Al-Qaissi, and his military escort Mahmoud Al-Hannani, by Israeli airstrike, which resulted in retaliation on both sides that continued to grow. It is reported that the blast of the ‘clinical attack’ on Qaissi was so extreme that he was decapitated in the blast.
The focus of the Israeli attacks includes homes occupied by families. One of the most significant of these cases reported is an attack on a four-story building, containing 35 members of the same family. Many are seriously injured.
While the political groups on either side of the borders debate the motives of these attacks, civilians remain in the war zone with very limited movement in and out of the Gaza streets, schools shut, a complete shutdown of electricity and a desperate shortage of fuel and gas.
Al Fakhoora director Farooq Burney said:
“We are closely following the developments taking place in Gaza and are saddened by the deaths resulting from three days of air strikes. We are in touch with our partners and students in Gaza. Schools are closed and people are trying to stay indoors.”
On the subject of Al Fakhoora’s continued emphasis on education in the blockade, he added:
“Once again the world is being reminded of how important it is to support organizations that provide assistance to educational institutes and ensure their safety in times of conflict. We hope the worst of this has passed.”
The atmosphere in Gaza has been likened to the attacks of Operation Cast lead, with the circling drones and threat of attack described as ‘relentless’.
Violence and the rising death toll continues to be reported in the region.
