GAZA: An Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza overnight killed at least 11 Palestinians, officials reported on Thursday. Among the dead were Major Generals Mahmoud Salah and Hussam Shahwan, Gaza’s police director and deputy. Both officers were reportedly targeted in Al-Mawasi, a region hit by multiple Israeli strikes. Israel has claimed Shahwan coordinated with Hamas forces in Gaza but has not addressed Salah’s death.
Israeli Claims and Palestinian Response
Gaza’s Interior Ministry condemned the killings, calling them a move to destabilize the region further. Israeli forces stated that Shahwan was an active terrorist target. The attack’s timing raises concerns about Israel’s approach to law enforcement and its efforts to control the Gaza Strip. With the region in crisis, police roles are crucial in maintaining order amid overwhelming destruction.
Ongoing Crisis in Gaza
The prolonged conflict since October 7 has ravaged Gaza, exacerbating hunger, disease, and mass displacement. Humanitarian efforts in the area remain hindered by severe Israeli-imposed restrictions on aid. Human rights organizations have criticized these actions, citing impediments to relief reaching those in dire need. According to recent reports, the ongoing war has left over 45,500 Palestinians dead.
Collapse of Law and Order
A rise in lawlessness and looting of humanitarian aid, especially in northern Gaza, has sparked international concern. In early November, the UN warned that Gaza faced a complete breakdown in law and order. Israel, as the occupying power, faces pressure to secure aid channels and prevent further humanitarian deterioration.
Destruction of Gaza’s Infrastructure
The Israeli strikes have left many neighborhoods in rubble, worsening the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Thousands displaced by the bombing live in makeshift camps, facing extreme living conditions. With aid at a standstill, the situation has only deteriorated, as families are trapped with dwindling resources.