An Israeli airstrike on a shelter for displaced Palestinians in northern Gaza killed at least 60 people, the Gaza Health Ministry reported Tuesday. More than half of the victims were women and children, reflecting the humanitarian toll of Israel’s ongoing operation in the region. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s militant group Hezbollah announced Sheikh Naim Kassem as its new leader following the death of Hassan Nasrallah in an earlier airstrike.
Destruction in Northern Gaza Leaves Dozens Dead
The deadly airstrike targeted a five-story building in Beit Lahiya where displaced Palestinians had sought refuge. Dr. Marwan al-Hams, head of field hospitals at the Gaza Health Ministry, provided further details: “Another 17 people are still missing.” The ministry reported that 12 women and 20 children were among the dead, including entire families. The destruction overwhelmed nearby Kamal Adwan Hospital, already dealing with raids by Israeli forces, which detained numerous medical staff over the weekend.
The Israeli military, engaged in a three-week operation in northern Gaza, has not commented on this strike. Israel claims it targets Hamas militants regrouping in the area, though civilians continue to bear the brunt.
Hezbollah Announces New Leader After Nasrallah’s Death
Hezbollah’s Shura Council selected Sheikh Naim Kassem, Nasrallah’s deputy for over 30 years, as the group’s new leader. Kassem vowed to uphold Nasrallah’s policies, saying, “Hezbollah will fight on despite setbacks.” The tensions escalated following an October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, with Iran, which supports Hezbollah and Hamas, trading fire with Israel. On Tuesday, Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel, killing one person in Maalot-Tarshiha.
UN Peacekeepers Injured in Lebanon Attack
Austria’s Defense Ministry reported that eight soldiers from the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon were lightly injured in a missile strike on their Naqoura camp. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner condemned the attack, urging all parties to cease combat operations near UN positions.
Israel Faces Backlash Over UN Aid Restrictions
In addition to military operations, Israel passed laws banning the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) from operating on Israeli-controlled territory. James Elder, spokesperson for UNICEF, warned that ending UNRWA’s operations could lead to a “collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza,” halting the distribution of essentials like vaccines, winter clothes, and food. “A new way has been found to kill children,” said a UN official, criticizing the impact of Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid.
The war in Gaza, which began with a Hamas-led incursion into Israel, has left over 43,000 Palestinians dead, according to local health authorities. With millions displaced, new leadership in Hezbollah, and aid restrictions looming, the conflict continues to escalate. As tensions rise, global pressure builds for a resolution to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.
