Israel continues attacks on Gaza as US Congress applauds genocide
WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES - JULY 24: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., United States on July 24, 2024. ( Bryan Dozier - Anadolu Agency )
On the day Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was applauded by US Congress while being tried for genocide at the International Court of Justice, the Israeli army conducted airstrikes on 60 targets in the Gaza Strip.
According to a statement from the Israeli Army Spokesperson, fighter jets carried out over 60 airstrikes in Gaza yesterday, destroying infrastructure at more than 50 locations.
Additionally, it was reported that the Israeli army found and retrieved the bodies of five Israeli hostages, including a woman, in the Khan Yunis area.
During his address to US Congress, Netanyahu claimed that civilian casualties in Gaza were low and that there was no hunger in the region. His speech was interrupted numerous times by standing ovations.
Israeli operations in Gaza after October 7
On October 7, 2023, the armed wing of Hamas, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a comprehensive attack on Israel. As a result, 1,200 Israelis were killed, and 5,132 were injured.
In retaliation, Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7 have resulted in the deaths of at least 39,145 Palestinians, including 16,172 children and 10,798 women. Additionally, 90,257 people were injured.
The Israeli army announced that 683 of its soldiers have been killed since the beginning of the attacks on October 7.
Humanitarian pause and prisoner exchange
During the “humanitarian pause” that began on November 24, 2023, which was later extended by three days, 81 Israeli and 240 Palestinian prisoners were exchanged. However, Israel continues to detain thousands of Palestinians.
Situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem
Since October 7, 2023, 589 Palestinians have been killed in attacks by Israeli soldiers and settlers in occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
