Israeli Strike in Gaza Kills Children Collecting Water
A tragic incident unfolded in Gaza as an Israeli missile strike resulted in the deaths of at least eight Palestinians, the majority of whom were children. The strike occurred while they were collecting water at a distribution point.
IDF Claims Malfunction
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has stated that the missile was intended to target an Islamic Jihad militant but went off course due to a malfunction. The IDF expressed regret for any harm caused to uninvolved civilians and has initiated a review of the incident.
Details of the Attack
The strike hit a water distribution point in the Nuseirat refugee camp, resulting in the deaths of six children and injuries to 17 others. This incident has further compounded the already severe water shortage in Gaza, which has been exacerbated by fuel shortages and the closure of desalination plants.
Other Casualties
In a separate incident, Palestinian media reported that an Israeli strike on a busy market in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of 12 people, including a prominent hospital consultant.
Rising Death Toll
According to Gaza's health ministry, the death toll since the start of the war in October 2023 has exceeded 58,000, with women and children accounting for over half of the casualties.
Ceasefire Talks Stalled
Ceasefire negotiations remain deadlocked, with both sides disagreeing over the extent of an Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian enclave. Indirect talks are ongoing, but optimism for a deal has waned.
