Gaza/Beirut, April 23 — In another wave of intense airstrikes, the Israeli military launched attacks on Gaza on Tuesday, killing at least 14 civilians, most of whom were women and children, according to local sources. The strikes also targeted heavy equipment sent by foreign countries, including bulldozers and other machinery meant to assist in clearing rubble from war-torn neighborhoods.
Foreign Donated Equipment Reduced to Rubble
The destroyed machines were donated by Arab nations to aid in the removal of debris caused by Israel’s continuous bombing campaigns. These bulldozers and other tools were essential for locating bodies believed to be buried under the ruins of collapsed buildings. The equipment had arrived during brief pauses in fighting and was considered vital for post-bombing rescue and recovery efforts.
With this latest strike, hopes of clearing debris and recovering the remains of the deceased have suffered a major setback. Many fear that dozens of bodies still lie trapped beneath the concrete and rubble across northern Gaza, especially in areas like Jabalia where destruction has been nearly total.
Egypt and Qatar’s Bulldozers Also Hit
Among the destroyed equipment were nine bulldozers sent by Egypt and Qatar—two nations involved in ongoing mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas. These bulldozers had been parked in a garage in Jabalia, which was reportedly flattened during Tuesday’s Israeli airstrike.
In addition to the bulldozers, water tankers and power generators used for humanitarian aid were also hit. No official response has been given by the Israeli military regarding the destruction of these aid supplies.
Eighteen Months of War Leaves Gaza in Ruins
Nearly a year and a half into the conflict between Israel and Hamas, large swaths of Gaza have been reduced to uninhabitable ruins. Most buildings in central and northern Gaza have either collapsed or been damaged beyond repair. Efforts to restore infrastructure have been consistently hampered by the ongoing aerial assault and restricted humanitarian access.
The inability to clear debris has not only delayed rebuilding but has also complicated the identification and burial of victims, leaving families in anguish.
Israeli Airstrikes Target Sunni Commander in Beirut
In a parallel offensive, Israeli jets struck the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on Tuesday, targeting what officials described as a key operative of the Sunni militant group Jamaa Islamiya.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Hussain Atawi, a senior commander in the group, was killed in the strike. Atawi was reportedly involved in planning and supporting terrorist operations inside Israel, according to the IDF.
The targeted bombing of Atawi marks a notable escalation as Israel expands its operations beyond Gaza and continues its campaign to neutralize what it deems regional threats.
Mounting International Concerns
Tuesday’s events further underscore the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. The destruction of foreign-supplied humanitarian equipment and civilian deaths have sparked concern among international observers, with renewed calls for a sustainable ceasefire and access to aid corridors.
As tensions rise across multiple fronts, the situation in Gaza remains precarious, with millions of civilians caught between warring factions, lacking food, shelter, and even the dignity of burying their dead.
