Israeli Airstrike Destroys Al-Raed Building in Gaza City Amid Escalating Conflict

The Al-Raed building in Gaza City, Palestine, was severely damaged and destroyed by an Israeli airstrike on April 24, 2024. The Israeli military ordered additional evacuations in northern Gaza and warned people that they were in a dangerous fighting zone as part of an expanding campaign of bombings and shelling throughout the Gaza Strip.

Residents reported almost 24 hours of non-stop bombardments, hitting central and southern areas of Gaza. The renewed shelling and bombing of northern Gaza came after the Israeli army had previously announced it was drawing down troops there, saying Hamas no longer controlled those areas. However, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on southern Israeli border towns, indicating fighters were still able to launch rockets almost 200 days into the war.

The Israeli military stated its adherence to international law and efforts to minimize civilian harm, despite the escalation. Hamas said Israel had achieved only disgrace and failure with its offensive. The US special regional envoy warned that Gaza faces a high risk of famine, especially in the north, and urged Israel to get aid to those in need. The UN aid agency UNRWA reported that the number of aid trucks entering Gaza reached a high daily total since the war began.

Why this matters: The destruction of the Al-Raed building and the escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict have far-reaching humanitarian consequences. The ongoing war, now in its sixth month, has killed tens of thousands and plunged at least half of Gaza's population into famine-like conditions, fueling the biggest displacement crisis in the region since Israel's creation in 1948.

The airstrikes and shelling killed several people, including a boy and a medic, and caused widespread damage across Gaza. Satellite images show a new compound of tents being built near Khan Younis, as Israel signals a potential offensive on the city of Rafah. The US Senate has voted to advance a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, with $26 billion earmarked for Israel's military, including funding for the Iron Dome and David's Sling missile defense systems. As the conflict rages on, the humanitarian toll continues to mount in one of this century's most destructive wars.

Key Takeaways

• Israeli airstrike destroys Al-Raed building in Gaza, part of intensifying campaign.
• Renewed shelling and bombing in northern Gaza despite Israel's troop drawdown claim.
• Gaza faces high risk of famine, UN reports increased aid truck entry to the region.
• Conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced half of Gaza's population into famine.
• US Senate approves $95 billion aid package, including $26 billion for Israel's military.