Gaza Health Ministry Reports 5 Dead, 28 Injured in 24 Hours Amid Israeli Fire

The Gaza Ministry of Health announced on Thursday that five Palestinians were killed and 28 others injured within the past 24 hours due to Israeli fire. The casualties included three newly deceased and two who succumbed to their wounds.

Separately, the ministry reported that a building collapse on Industry Street in western Gaza City on Wednesday resulted in 21 deaths and over 14 injuries, with several individuals still missing.

The ministry also stated that Israeli authorities obstructed the departure of a group of patients and wounded individuals for treatment in Egypt. The number of approved travelers was reduced from 136 to 72, and then 11 more were asked to return, leaving a final group of 61 patients and their escorts.

On the ground, three Palestinians were injured by Israeli fire: two in separate incidents in Khan Younis and one on Gaza City's beach. Israeli vehicles and tanks reportedly fired intensively in various areas of Khan Younis, including Batn al-Samin, the vicinity of Bani Suhaila roundabout, the Rafah garage, the city center, and near Nasser Hospital.

The Israeli military announced the assassination of Sharif Shadi Ibrahim Labad and Youssef Saadallah Rashid Ze'im in separate strikes in northern Gaza on Monday and Tuesday. The military claimed Labad was a member of Hamas's elite Qassam Brigades and participated in the October 7th Erez crossing attack, while Ze'im was a commander in the same unit. Israel alleged they were working to rebuild Hamas's capabilities and that their elimination was necessary to remove a "threat" and due to alleged ceasefire violations.

In political developments, an Israeli report indicated that a source close to the "Peace Council" criticized Israel's reliance on individual assassinations, arguing it does not dismantle Hamas. The council is reportedly advocating for a 14-day period of calm, excluding "imminent threats" as defined by Israel, alongside a gradual disarmament process, with a potential shift to force if understandings are not met.