World News

Renewed violence in Gaza amid ceasefire: Two Palestinians killed

In a disturbing twist of events, two Palestinians, among whom is a five-year-old, have been reported dead in the Israeli strikes against Gaza, even though a ceasefire was agreed upon days ago. Hundreds of others were injured as thousands returned to the northern part of the besieged enclave.

Wafa news agency reports that Nadia Mohammed al-Amoudi was killed late Monday as the Israeli army shelled a horse cart in al-Jisr, near the Nuseirat refugee camp. There were three other injuries in the same attack. In another incident, a Palestinian man was killed and many others injured when the Israeli forces started opening fire at a bulldozer that tried to pull out a stranded vehicle on the road in Nuseirat.

These events expose the dangers still faced by Palestinian refugees who are trying to return to their places as the Hamas and Israel enter a three-phase truce agreement, which started on January 19. The Israeli army said it carried out strikes to scare off “suspicious vehicles” moving north in areas considered out of bounds under the terms of the truce. The army also said it fired on a Palestinian man in northern Gaza whom it perceived as a threat.

There have been documented series of violations by Israeli forces since the cease-fire commenced. Lately, there have been heavy artillery fire from Israeli tanks approaching the Karem Abu Salem crossing. Three drone strikes on civilians in Gaza have also been confirmed.

Yet, the journey northward continues despite the difficulties, as Israeli forces reopened the Netzarim Corridor after a daylong delay. According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, more than 300,000 displaced people successfully crossed from south to north.

As families return, it is stark reality that is unveiled. A fresh banner placed at Gaza City has the words “Welcome to Gaza,” but many residents returning to this place find their homes destroyed. Lamees al-Iwady, a 22-year-old who has just returned, expressed a mixture of joy and sadness. “This is the happiest day of my life… We will rebuild our homes, even if it’s with mud and sand,” she said.

According to Al Jazeera reports, long lines of people returning north indicated that most knew what awaited them; bleak conditions characterized the area. Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Salah al-Din Street, noted that the returning families described the area as a “wasteland,” where little was left to sustain life.

Despite the overwhelming destruction, some remain resolute. One man, determined to rebuild, stated, “We are holding steadfast to our home soil, to our homeland.” Others voiced their immediate concerns for basic necessities, with one individual lamenting the long wait for bread and calling for increased support from relief agencies.

The devastation in northern Gaza is merely incredible, with Gaza’s Government Media Office estimating that 135,000 tents and caravans are needed to house returning families. As the situation develops, their struggle for returning to their motherland continues to draw worldwide attention and concern.

Source
Al Jazeera

HD News Desk

From local issues to national events and global affairs, Hindustan Dot's news desk covers the latest news and developments from India and the world.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button