The Sunday airstrike on a hospital compound in central Gaza has resulted in the death of five individuals, bringing the total of Palestinians killed on Sunday to 19.
What Happened: The airstrike, which targeted a tent within the Al-Aqsa Hospital compound, resulted in a fire and injured at least 18 people, in addition to the fatalities.
The Israeli military has claimed that the strike was aimed at a militant involved in “conducting terror activities.” Secondary explosions, according to the military, indicated the presence of weapons in the vicinity, reports Reuters.
Separate Israeli strikes in Deir Al-Balah led to additional Palestinian casualties. Despite diplomatic efforts in Cairo on Saturday, Israeli forces continued their strikes and shelling in the Gaza Strip, with no progress made towards peace.
The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday has further escalated regional tensions. Japan's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Shino Mitsuko said late last week, "We fear the region is at the brink of all-out war."
Both Hamas and Iran have pointed fingers at Israel for the assassination, promising retaliation. Israel, however, has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the incident.
International pressure on Israel to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas is growing, with the aim to end the fighting and secure the release of 115 Israeli and foreign hostages taken during an attack on Israel last October.
Why It Matters: The ongoing conflict and unsuccessful peace talks have heightened tensions in the region.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Hamas had not yet agreed to the terms of a proposed ceasefire and hostage release deal. Hamas, on the other hand, has accused Netanyahu of showing disinterest in reaching an agreement.
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