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 US expressed surprise at the ongoing operations, stating that Israel had agreed to cease targeted killings as part of a ceasefire deal aimed at disarming Hamas after eight months of negotiations. The sources said, "Why continue the assassinations now and give Hamas an excuse to back out?" They warned that these actions further isolate Israel in the Middle East and undermine trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's commitment to peace, highlighting the deaths of three children as evidence of excessive force.

Over the weekend, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) killed several militants, including 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 and killed in Gaza City and northern Gaza.

Palestinian sources reported that eight Palestinians, including two children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes early Sunday across Gaza. Among the casualties were a family of three in the Al-Qarara area northwest of Gaza City, and another family in the Al-Mashaa area west of Deir al-Balah. In Gaza City, an airstrike on a residential building near the port killed three Palestinians, including a five-year-old child. Eyewitnesses and medical sources confirmed the deaths and injuries from these strikes.

The US criticism reflects growing international concern over civilian casualties and the impact of Israel's military actions on regional diplomacy. Despite the ceasefire conditions, Israel continues its targeted operations against militants, citing security threats from Hamas and other groups in Gaza.