Multiple Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip have killed dozens of Palestinians, including the head of the enclave’s police force and his deputy. Medical sources told Al Jazeera on Thursday, January 4, 2025, the biggest strike killed 12 people in the so-called “humanitarian zone” of al-Mawasi, near Khan Younis, with several children among the dead. The attack also claimed the lives of Mahmud Salah, Gaza’s police chief, and his deputy, Hussam Shahwan. Salah was known for his decades of service, having been part of the police for 30 years and serving six years as its chief.
Gaza’s Interior Ministry condemned the killings, asserting the two police officers were “performing their humanitarian and national duty.” The statement added, “The police force is a civil protection force, working to provide services to citizens.” Footage from the aftermath of the attack showed people searching through the debris for survivors and the remains of tent structures where displaced families sought refuge.
Reporting from Deir el-Balah, Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum described the airstrikes as marking “a very significant escalation.” He noted another strike on the outskirts of Khan Younis killed nine people, with reports indicating the bodies were horrifically disfigured. “We saw the mothers crying over the loss they have endured today,” he shared, painting a vivid picture of grief and devastation.
Other Israeli airstrikes on Thursday claimed at least 26 more lives, targeting locations such as the interior ministry headquarters and the al-Shati camp, as well as areas in north Gaza, including Jabalia. Medics reported additional casualties throughout Gaza City, noting strikes on Jala Street and the Zeitoun district.
Overall, at least 63 Palestinians were reported killed on this devastating day alone, according to Al Jazeera Arabic and other medical sources. The Israeli military conducted these attacks without prior warnings, which have drawn condemnation, particularly for targeting areas labeled as humanitarian zones.
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), criticized the situation, stating, “Everyday without a ceasefire will bring more tragedy.” He emphasized the grim reality, stating there are no safe zones within Gaza. These remarks echo the despair felt by many as the conflict escalates.
Delving behind the military's motives, Israeli forces claim they targeted Hamas infrastructure during the raids. Following the al-Mawasi strike, the military insisted their operations were intelligence-driven aimed at eliminating threats, referring to Shahwan as the head of Hamas security forces in southern Gaza, albeit neglecting to mention Salah’s significant role and corresponding death.
Days before the airstrikes, Israeli tanks had moved toward al-Mawasi, forcing evacuations, with the military issuing failings warnings to residents. The Israeli military’s spokesperson Avichay Adraee provided insights via social media, justifying the strikes by saying, “Once again, terrorist organisations are launching rockets from your area.” His statements, which suggest prior warnings of impending attacks, have been met with skepticism amid rising casualties.
The alarming reports raise concerns not only for the current humanitarian crisis but also for upcoming serious consequences, as displaced individuals continue to face inadequate living conditions. Since the onset of renewed violence on October 7, 2023, the death toll has risen alarmingly, now exceeding 45,581. Tragically, reports indicate at least six infants have succumbed to the cold, illustrating the severe plight faced by the vulnerable and displaced populations battling frigid weather and dire living circumstances.
Despite the devastating toll of the recent airstrikes, the humanitarian catastrophe continues to worsen, leaving Gaza’s residents grappling with unimaginable loss and suffering. With the tension at its peak, the need for international intervention and peacekeeping measures grows increasingly dire to avoid more bloodshed and achieve some semblance of stability.