The so-called Peace Council, responsible for overseeing the ceasefire plan in the Gaza Strip, has called for the immediate activation of US President Donald Trump's peace initiative after a new massacre by the Israeli occupation army targeted Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, resulting in the death of at least six Palestinians.
In an official statement, the council emphasized that the tragic loss of life due to the airstrike on the medical facility underscores the urgent need for swift action. It stressed the importance of promptly applying Trump's proposed comprehensive peace plan to halt the bloodshed in Gaza.
On Thursday, the deadliest day since recent Israeli legislative elections, at least 11 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in a series of strikes across various locations by Israeli forces.
The Israeli military acknowledged carrying out the attack on the hospital, claiming it targeted leaders of the Palestinian resistance, including Khan Younis Brigade commander Mohamed Abu Ismail, whom they accused of conducting operations against their forces. Hamas categorically denied allegations that the hospital was used as a command center or weapons storage, labeling the claims as false narratives to justify deliberate targeting of medical and civilian facilities.
Hospital administration and civil defense teams confirmed that the strike directly hit the surgery department, causing severe injuries among patients and medical staff. British volunteer doctor Jawhar Rahbour recounted harrowing moments and noted the death of his Palestinian colleague, Dr. Rizq Abu Sheikh, in the airstrike.
Additional attacks in Gaza resulted in fatalities near Al-Bureij refugee camp, Deir al-Balah, Gaza City, and Jabalia. Meanwhile, inside the Israeli political landscape, the caretaker government led by Benjamin Netanyahu remains in power amidst political instability, with attempts underway to form a new government after inconclusive elections.
Netanyahu has focused his campaign on security issues, seeking to capitalize on ongoing hostilities to strengthen his political standing. Resistance factions condemned the hospital strikes as full-fledged war crimes and held the international community responsible for its silence, noting that despite a ceasefire agreement enacted in October, occupation forces continue violations, resulting in over 1,600 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire's implementation, with medical and civilian infrastructure repeatedly targeted.