Gaza rescuers say 15 killed in Israeli New Year strike

AFP | Gaza

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Gaza’s civil defence agency said yesterday that an Israeli air strike in the territory’s north killed at least 15 people, marking what the rescuers called the New Year’s first deadly attack.

“The world welcomed the New Year with celebrations and festivities, while we witnessed 2025 begin with the first Israeli massacre in the town of Jabalia just after midnight,” civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP.

“Fifteen people were martyred and more than 20 were injured” in the strike on a house where displaced people were living, he said.

The Israeli military, when contacted, said it was looking into the reported strike.

Since October 6, the military has been conducting a major land and air offensive in northern Gaza, particularly targeting Jabalia and its adjacent refugee camp.

The military says it is an effort to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping there and it has killed hundreds of fighters, while rescuers in the area say thousands of civilians have died.

On Monday United Nations rights experts said the “siege” appears to be part of an effort “to permanently displace the local population as a precursor to Gaza’s annexation”.