There were reports from Gaza that airstrikes on the heavily populated al-Rimal neighbourhood resulted in at least seven deaths and 20 injuries, including children. The airstrikes were part of ongoing Israeli air operations preceding a planned military operation in Gaza City. Katz said more Hamas leaders would be targets as the war with Hamas intensified in the context of Israel's recently approved plan to take over Gaza City.
Background to the Operation
According to the IDF and Shin Bet, the airstrikes against Obeida were conducted based on intelligence received about his location. Obeida was considered one of the very last senior Hamas military leaders from before the October 7, 2023, assault against southern Israel. He was targeted with five missiles; the airstrikes hit the second and third floors of the six-storey apartment building, which housed a former dental clinic. Witnesses said the blast scattered piles of cash, some of which was later recovered by Hamas.
The statement characterized Obeida as the "public face of Hamas," who acted as a propagandist and voice for the al-Qassam Brigades; Obeida has always appeared, in video and photos, masked in a Palestinian scarf, and was revered by Hamas fans throughout the Middle East. We believe his last-ever speech was delivered on November 17th, and issued a warning against Israel and its invasion of Gaza City, linking the fate of remaining Israeli hostages to Hamas fighters' fate.
Civilian casualties and tensions are rising
Local residents said the blast was terrifying; one shop owner said he could not move for more than an hour after the blasts. Sketchy accounts on the scene described injured children and chaos as people fled for cover. Verified video documented civilians fleeing the vicinity of the blast area, and injured people being carried away.
The IDF stated it attempted to mitigate civilian casualties, employing bespoke weapons munitions, overhead surveillance, and intelligence. The increasing civilian death toll and destruction continue to rise. Israel's offensive began after the Hamas-led attack of October 7th, which saw about 1,200 people killed, and 251 people taken hostage. Since this date, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry, over 63,000 Palestinians have been killed.
Israel authorized a plan to capture Gaza City in its entirety, home to nearly one million people. Israeli officials claim that civilians will be temporarily evacuated to shelters in the south region of Gaza before Israeli troops enter the city. Most recently, as Declan Walsh reported on November 18, 2023 over 90 percent of homes in Gaza City are destroyed or damaged, and all vital services such as health care, water supply, and sanitation have crumbled.
International organizations have warned of catastrophic outcomes if the offensive continues; however, Israel's leadership continues to insist on a full-scale campaign until Hamas is defeated.
