Israeli strikes in southern Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, including six children and two women, as reported by Palestinian medical officials. The attacks occurred overnight, with one strike hitting a house in the town of Beni Suhaila, where at least 10 people from one extended family lost their lives. This tragic incident included the deaths of three children and one woman.
In a separate strike in the nearby town of Fakhari, five people, including three children and a woman, were killed. The Israeli military typically refrains from commenting on individual strikes, citing efforts to minimize civilian casualties and attributing any unintended deaths to Hamas, alleging that militants hide within civilian areas.
The ongoing air and ground campaign by Israel in Jabaliya, located in northern Gaza, has left families trapped in their homes and shelters, as reported by residents. Despite attempts by some families to relocate within Jabaliya, ongoing shelling by the military has led to uncertainty and fear among the residents.
Meanwhile, footage aired on Iranian state television showcased Gen. Esmail Qaani, head of the expeditionary arm of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, wiping away tears during a ceremony at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport. Speculation had arisen regarding Qaani’s status following an earlier Israeli airstrike that targeted Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. However, Qaani’s appearance at the event signified his active involvement.
In response to Iran’s missile defense program, Australia has implemented targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on five Iranian individuals. The move follows Iran’s launch of over 180 ballistic missiles against Israel, which Australia deems as a “dangerous escalation” contributing to heightened regional tensions.
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, emphasised the need to hold Iran accountable for its actions, bringing the total number of sanctioned Iran-linked individuals and entities to 200. Wong reiterated Australia’s commitment to addressing Iran’s destabilising activities and ensuring consequences for such behaviour.