Gaza Civil Defense Says 5 Killed in Israeli Strike on Displacement Camp

12 May 2024, Palestinian Territories, Deir al-Balah: Tents for displaced people are crowded west of Deir al-Balah city in the central Gaza Strip after thousands of Palestinians fled Rafah after the Israeli army announced the start of a military operation there. Photo: Saher Alghorra/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
12 May 2024, Palestinian Territories, Deir al-Balah: Tents for displaced people are crowded west of Deir al-Balah city in the central Gaza Strip after thousands of Palestinians fled Rafah after the Israeli army announced the start of a military operation there. Photo: Saher Alghorra/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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Gaza Civil Defense Says 5 Killed in Israeli Strike on Displacement Camp

12 May 2024, Palestinian Territories, Deir al-Balah: Tents for displaced people are crowded west of Deir al-Balah city in the central Gaza Strip after thousands of Palestinians fled Rafah after the Israeli army announced the start of a military operation there. Photo: Saher Alghorra/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
12 May 2024, Palestinian Territories, Deir al-Balah: Tents for displaced people are crowded west of Deir al-Balah city in the central Gaza Strip after thousands of Palestinians fled Rafah after the Israeli army announced the start of a military operation there. Photo: Saher Alghorra/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

The civil defense agency in Hamas-run Gaza said an Israeli strike Sunday hit tents at a declared safe zone in the Palestinian territory's south, killing at least five people.

A witness told AFP a newborn was among the dead in Al-Mawasi near Khan Yunis city, where tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge from the war, now nearing its 11th month.

Since Monday, Israeli forces have operated in and around Khan Yunis including in parts of the coastal area of Al-Mawasi.

"Today, the Israeli occupation targeted... the tents of displaced people on Al-Istable street in Al-Mawasi," Muhammad al-Mughayyir of the Gaza civil defense agency told AFP.

"Five martyrs and seven wounded have been transferred to Nasser hospital" in Khan Yunis, he said.

Contacted by AFP, the Israeli military said it was looking into the reports.

Miriam al-Astal who lives in Al-Mawasi said a newborn baby was killed.

"We were sitting in the tents... when suddenly we heard an explosion," she told AFP.

"I swear" there was no militant activity in the area, she said.

Israel had warned on Monday its forces would "forcefully operate" in the Khan Yunis area -- from which troops withdrew in April -- and on Saturday the civil defense agency said that 170 people have been killed by the renewed fighting and military operations.

 



Yemen Fears Influx of Iran-Backed Militias into Sanaa

Houthis are seen during a rally in Sanaa, Yemen. (Reuters)
Houthis are seen during a rally in Sanaa, Yemen. (Reuters)
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Yemen Fears Influx of Iran-Backed Militias into Sanaa

Houthis are seen during a rally in Sanaa, Yemen. (Reuters)
Houthis are seen during a rally in Sanaa, Yemen. (Reuters)

The Yemeni government is worried about Iranian-backed foreign militias crossing into Houthi-run areas, especially after Pakistani fighters were seen in Sanaa, joining Houthi protests under claims of jihad.

Information Minister Moamar al-Eryani raised these fears in an official statement as the Houthis continue to threaten shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Al-Eryani accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guard of sending thousands of Pakistani and Afghan militia members to Houthi areas in recent months.

He also pointed to reports of collaboration between the Houthis and terrorist groups, like ISIS and al-Qaeda, with support from Iran.

He described this as a dangerous development amid escalating piracy and terrorist attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden, which threaten international shipping and global trade.

The minister also referenced interviews broadcasted by the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah TV, featuring Pakistani nationals who participated in Houthi demonstrations in the Houthi-held capital, Sanaa.

These individuals revealed their intention to join what they called “jihad” in support of Gaza.

Al-Eryani accused the Houthis of using the Palestinian cause as a cover for their own expansionist agenda. He said the Houthis use this pretext to destabilize Arab countries, spread chaos, and threaten international interests.

He called for a united global response to what he termed “systematic terrorism” by Iran, which affects many countries.

The minister urged the international community to enforce UN principles, including non-intervention and respect for sovereignty, and to thwart smuggling arms and fighters to the Houthis in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2216.

Al-Eryani also called for the Houthis to be designated as a “global terrorist organization,” with sanctions imposed, assets frozen, and travel bans for their leaders.

He emphasized the need for better international cooperation on intelligence sharing, and efforts to counter funding and recruitment for the militia.