Casualties of at least 18 individuals in the aftermath of Israeli bombings in Gaza

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the suburbs of Gaza City have been the focus of intense air and ground attacks over the past three weeks. These operations have resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, killed and 251 taken hostage in the initial attack.

The destruction of homes and displacement of families has forced many residents to seek shelter in the western parts of the city, such as Sheikh Radwan, a neighborhood that has been subjected to tank shelling and airstrikes.

The attacks have claimed the life of Mohammed Sinwar, a prominent figure in Hamas, who was reportedly killed by Israel in an airstrike more than three months ago. Sinwar was the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, who is accused by Israel of masterminding the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel that marked the beginning of the war in Gaza.

Hamas has confirmed Sinwar's death and has reportedly appointed Iss al-Din Haddad as the new military chief in the Gaza Strip, succeeding Sinwar.

The Israeli military spokesperson's office is reviewing the reports of these deaths. According to Gaza health officials, the Israeli military campaign has killed more than 63,000 people, mostly civilians. At least 18 people have been killed in these attacks, including 13 near an aid site and 2 in a house in Gaza City.

In a bid to alleviate the crisis, an aid flotilla, which includes climate activist Greta Thunberg, is set to sail for Gaza. However, on Friday, the Israeli military ended temporary pauses in the area that allowed for aid deliveries, designating it a "dangerous combat zone".

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is set to discuss a plan to seize Gaza City with his security cabinet this evening. The Israeli official has described Gaza City as Hamas' last bastion.

Amidst the violence, pictures released by Hamas show Mohammed Sinwar alongside other political and military leaders described as "martyrs of the military council". The new military chief, Iss al-Din Haddad, is reported to be a close associate of Sinwar.

Twenty of the remaining 48 hostages are believed to still be alive. The conflict continues to unfold, with both sides showing no signs of backing down.

Casualties of at least 18 individuals in the aftermath of Israeli bombings in Gaza