US Criticizes Israeli Targeted Killings in Gaza, Citing Civilian Deaths and Regional Isolation

American sources sharply criticized Israel for continuing targeted killings in Gaza, accusing the Israeli military of killing innocent civilians and portraying Israel as bloodthirsty. The sources expressed surprise at the ongoing operations, stating that Israel had agreed to cease targeted assassinations as part of a ceasefire deal aimed at disarming Hamas. They questioned why Israel would continue such actions after eight months of negotiations intended to lead to Gaza's demilitarization, warning that these killings further isolate Israel in the Middle East and damage Prime Minister Netanyahu's credibility.

The criticism followed recent Israeli military actions in Gaza, including the killing of several militants over the weekend. Among those killed was Salem Gamal Abd al-Rahman Abu Labad, head of a Hamas cell responsible for the October 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Muhammad Abd al-Nasser Muhammad Khatib, commander of Hamas’s Maghazi Brigade. Additional militants from Islamic Jihad and other groups were also targeted.

Palestinian sources reported that eight Palestinians, including two children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes early Sunday. One strike hit a family apartment in the Al-Qarara area northwest of Gaza City, killing a man, his wife, and their daughter. Another attack in central Gaza killed an elderly couple, while a separate strike in Gaza City killed a family of three, including a five-year-old child. These civilian casualties intensified American condemnation.

The US sources emphasized that the continuation of targeted killings undermines the ceasefire efforts and provides Hamas with justification to backtrack on disarmament commitments. They described the deaths of three children as particularly damaging to Israel’s image, portraying Israelis as ruthless and bloodthirsty. The Israeli military, however, continues its operations, citing the need to prevent further terrorist attacks.