Israel Airstrikes to Gaza
By Brionna Gillis
Israeli tank shellings and airstrikes killed 25 Palestinians, including seven children, this past Wednesday. The series of attacks is said to be the highest toll since the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas was signed on October 10th, per the BBC. This latest rush comes just days after 30 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Saturday, according to hospitals.
Courtesy: Getty Images
“It is devastating and deplorable to watch in real time the result the western world power through a genocide. It is a terrible truth that the world cried for peace, to reach a ceasefire that only carries weight in its name,” said Auriana Perry, a third-year political science major economics minor on the pre-law track. “Safe zones are under attack, and there is nowhere for the Palestinian people to find safety. This recent attack demonstrates Israel’s commitment to destroy Palestine,”
The Israeli military confirmed that a number of strikes were carried out in response to what was described as a Hamas “violation” of the agreement last Friday. The strikes came after the IDF recovered a body of Israel’s last hostage after the reopening of the Rafah crossing, Gaza’s border with Egypt, the first phase of the truce. Both Israel and Hammas have accused each other of violating the truce since it came into effect last year.
“I do not see the violence of the people in Palestine ever ending. I think the waves of the violence will fluctuate but that is it,” said Todd Bond, a third-year political science major. “I think Israel's opening of Gaza’s main crossing into Egypt was a slap in the face to the truce. It seems like a lack of respect that doesn’t look like it will ever be received.”
Reopening the crossing was one of the requirements of the Trump-backed ceasefire. Since the start of the October ceasefire, it has been reported that 509 Palestinians have been killed, per Gazan health officials.
Hamas has condemed the strikes and urged the U.S to take immediate action, adding that “these ongoing violations” confirm that the Israeli government “continues its brutal war of genocide against the strip.”
