US Criticizes Israel for Targeted Killings in Gaza, Warns of Regional Isolation

American sources sharply criticized Israel on Sunday for continuing targeted killings in the Gaza Strip, warning that these actions could undermine efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. According to the sources, Israel's ongoing assassinations are isolating it in the Middle East and damaging its image by killing innocent civilians. They expressed surprise at Israel's continued operations after reportedly agreeing to halt targeted killings as part of negotiations aimed at disarming Hamas. The sources questioned why Israel would continue these strikes now, potentially giving Hamas an excuse to back out of commitments made during eight months of talks.

The criticism highlighted the regional impact, stating that mediating countries view Israel's actions as evidence that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not serious about peace. The sources condemned the killing of three innocent children, saying it makes Israelis appear as bloodthirsty savages.

The Israeli military has been conducting operations targeting militants and terror operatives in Gaza. Reuters reported that eight Palestinians, including two children, were killed in early morning Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip. Among the casualties were a family of three in the al-Qarara area and another couple in al-Mashaa'la. In Gaza City, an airstrike on a residential building killed three more Palestinians, including a five-year-old child.

The IDF confirmed the continuation of operations against terror targets, stating that several senior militants were eliminated over the weekend. These included Salem Gamal Abd al-Rahman Abu Labad, head of Hamas's Nukhba unit involved in the October 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Mohammed Abd al-Nasser Mohammed Khatib, commander of Hamas's Ma'azi Battalion. Other militants from Islamic Jihad and the Army of Islam were also killed in recent strikes.

The Israeli military emphasized that these operations aim to prevent terrorist activities against Israeli forces and maintain security in the region.