ALBAWABA- In a devastating Israeli escalation, 81 Palestinians were killed and 188 injured as the Israeli military conducted 50 airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, just one night after a ceasefire agreement was announced.
Al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obeida condemned the strikes, revealing that one of the bombed locations housed a female prisoner slated for release in the first phase of the deal.
He warned that further aggression could jeopardize the ceasefire process, stating, “Any bombing at this stage by the Israeli enemy could turn the freedom of a prisoner into a tragedy.”
The Israeli army confirmed its strikes, claiming to have targeted 50 locations across Gaza within 24 hours.
This comes despite the agreement for a phased ceasefire deal, set to begin Sunday, January 19, 2025, a day before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Human Rights Watch has sharply criticized Israel's actions, accusing it of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
The organization highlighted the deliberate targeting of civilians, hospitals, homes, and aid workers, along with the destruction of schools and essential infrastructure.
Additionally, they accused Israeli authorities of enforcing a blockade that deprived Palestinians of water, medical supplies, and other necessities for survival.
The ceasefire agreement, aimed at halting a conflict that has ravaged Gaza for over a year and three months, is to be implemented in three stages. However, the current Israeli airstrikes and continued atrocities in Gaza cast doubt on its potential success.
