Israeli airstrikes continued to take a devastating toll in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 individuals across various attacks, including three children and key members of Hamas’ internal security. These strikes targeted areas designated as humanitarian zones, notably Muwasi, where many displaced residents are seeking shelter amid harsh winter conditions.

The strikes in Muwasi specifically claimed the lives of at least ten people, including two high-ranking officers of the Hamas police force, according to reports from hospitals in the region. Witnesses described a catastrophic scene, with one displaced local, Ziyad Abu Jabal, expressing his horror, stating, "Everyone was taking shelter in their tents from the cold, and suddenly we found the world turning upside down. Why, and for what?"

Additional strikes hit areas like Deir al-Balah, where at least eight men, known for aiding in securing humanitarian convoys, lost their lives. In total, the Israeli military has targeted more than a dozen police and security personnel during these operations, which aim to undermine Hamas' operational capabilities but simultaneously exacerbate the grim humanitarian situation in the territory.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) maintain that their operations are aimed at militant targets, specifically noting that they killed Hossam Shahwan, a senior officer within Hamas' security apparatus. Israel claims that these leaders are responsible for intelligence gathering for Hamas' military activities. However, humanitarian organizations and Palestinian officials report widespread destruction and claim that many of the casualties are civilians caught in the crossfire.

As violence marks the ongoing 15-month conflict, humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate. The Health Ministry in Gaza has reported that over 45,000 Palestinians have died as a result of the conflict, with the ministry attributing more than half of these deaths to women and children. It remains contentious, as the same ministry does not differentiate between militants and civilians in its casualty reports.

Amidst growing unrest, the humanitarian response has been stymied by escalating violence and accusations that Hamas hijacks aid efforts. The situation continues to spiral as more children are seen waiting for food distributions while lacking basic necessities.

Adding to the political landscape, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was recently released from the hospital following prostate surgery, continuing to express his government’s resolve to persist in military operations until Hamas is fully dismantled. Despite ongoing international calls for a ceasefire and efforts to provide humanitarian assistance, immediate relief remains uncertain amidst this backdrop of conflict.

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