At least 20 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, hours after a cease-fire agreement was announced. The truce, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, is set to take effect on January 19.
Medical sources reported significant casualties in Gaza City’s Al-Nasr neighborhood, where an Israeli airstrike leveled a residential block, killing 15 people, including women and children. Several remain missing beneath the rubble.
A civil defense worker described the scene:
“The Israeli army targeted a residential building, causing heavy casualties, mostly among women and children. Recovery operations are ongoing.”
At Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, a doctor highlighted the severity of the situation:
“Despite the cease-fire announcement, victims continue to arrive. We have treated numerous injuries, including eight children.”
Further strikes in Khan Younis targeted the Lahham family home, killing two people and injuring others. Gaza’s civil defense also confirmed that three members of the Nabeh family died in another airstrike in Gaza City.
Eyewitnesses reported heavy bombardment in northern Gaza, with explosions and smoke visible across multiple areas.
The airstrikes come despite diplomatic efforts, with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stating that mediators successfully brokered the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.
