Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least five Palestinians and wounded 19 others, according to officials at two hospitals, as violence continues despite a ceasefire agreement reached nearly a year ago.
Officials at Shifa Hospital said a strike in Gaza City killed a woman and critically injured her husband. Another strike hit a bus, killing four people and injuring at least 14 others. In Khan Younis, another Israeli strike wounded four Palestinians, according to officials at Nasser Hospital.
Israel’s military did not immediately respond to questions about the reported bus strike. It said it was reviewing information concerning the strike in Khan Younis.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks since the ceasefire have killed more than 1,400 Palestinians. The ministry maintains detailed casualty records, although figures from the conflict remain subject to verification and competing claims.
Other Middle East Developments
The latest violence in Gaza was among several major developments across the Middle East.
An Israel-bound FlyDubai flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after one pilot stabbed another pilot and apparently attempted to take control of the aircraft. Passengers and crew members intervened, subdued the attacker and helped prevent a potentially serious aviation disaster. More than 170 people were aboard the flight, according to reports.
Meanwhile, Iran executed two men accused by authorities of involvement in violence against security forces during nationwide protests in January. Iranian state media said the men were involved in unrest in Mashhad that resulted in the deaths of security personnel.
The United States also completed the withdrawal of its remaining forces from Iraq, ending a 12-year mission focused on combating the Islamic State group under an agreement between Washington and Baghdad.
The continuing violence is also affecting regional trade. Alternative shipping routes have helped Gulf oil and fuel exports recover toward pre-war levels, although disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea continue to increase transportation costs and risks. Egypt has also reported major losses in Suez Canal revenue linked to disruptions caused by the wider regional conflict.
The latest developments underscore the continuing humanitarian, security and economic consequences of instability across the Middle East, even as diplomatic efforts seek to prevent a wider escalation.
Swifteradio.com
