A new CNN analysis has revealed that Israeli air strikes in Gaza targeted areas where it had directed civilians to evacuate from one day prior. The analysis marked yet another escalation in the current conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has unfolded in the past two weeks.
The CNN reporting is based on an analysis of videos, photos, and accounts from Palestinians and Israelis who witnessed the violence first hand. The research concluded that Israeli forces destroyed homes, shops, and other essential buildings in areas that the Israeli military had issued warnings to evacuate from the day prior.
The analysis further found that Israeli warplanes and artillery hit housing blocks in densely populated Gaza districts that were already area of civilian evacuation and those where Palestinians had not been given any warning. In some cases, artillery or drones hit targets up to 10 minutes after the warnings were broadcast.
The findings of the CNN report have so far raised questions as to why Israeli forces deliberately targeted areas in which they had instructed civilians to evacuate. The findings have also raised humanitarian concerns amidst the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict.
Supporters of the Israeli military maintaining that precision airstrikes are carried out and civilians are warned to evacuate the area before strikes take place. However, the analysis reinforces a growing concern over the rising death toll in the past weeks in Gaza and other places.
The violence between the two sides has continued despite all ceasefires, and so far, over 180 civilians in Gaza, including dozens of children, have been killed. On the Israeli side, 10 people have been killed due to Palestinian cross-border rocket attack.
The international community has denounced the war in Gaza and are calling for a durable solution to stop the violence. It remains to be seen how long a ceasefire will hold and what steps will be led to guarantee an enduring peace.