West Asia Crisis: Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Kills 5, Lebanon Ceasefire| Latest Updates Photo: AP West Asia Crisis: Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Kills 5, Lebanon Ceasefire| Latest Updates Photo: AP 
An Israeli airstrike has killed at least five people outside a food distribution centre in Gaza. The dead include four children. bc.game
The victims were gathered outside shelters in the densely packed Nuseirat refugee camp, which is located in the central Gaza Strip.
According to Associated Press, the bodies were rushed to the Awda Hospital confirmed where the death of the civilians was confirmed. The hospital said 15 others — mostly children, also suffered injuries in the said attack .
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli forces, who have faced severe criticism over the mounting civilian casualities . The recent war whichfollowed the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which 1200 people were killed, has resulted in immense destruction in the region, reported PTI.
It has led to a reported 44,500 deaths of Palestinians. Majority of those who lost their lives are women and children. The number of civilian casualties, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, continues to climb as Israeli forces pursue their military objectives.
Hamas had taken around 250 Isreali hostages. It is believed that at least a third of the hostages may have died, ABC News reported. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) say that they have killed over 17,000 militants in Gaza. But they have not provided concrete evidence to support their claim. Palestinian authorities on the other hand insist the majority of the dead are civilians.
Crisis in West Asia
Meanwhile, the situation in Lebanon remains tense. Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, reports suggest that several Israeli drone and artillery strikes took place in the region on Tuesday.
These strikes killed a shepherd in southern Lebanon. It highlights the continuing volatility of the area. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue striking Hezbollah with an “iron fist” in response to what Israel perceives as violations of the ceasefire, reported by ABC News.U.S. and International Reactions.
The United States has been a staunch supporter of Israel, particularly during this latest escalation. President-elect Donald Trump recently commented on the unfolding situation. He voiced strong support for Israel’s military operations and condemned actions from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, as per report.
Trump’s remarks also extended to the broader Middle Eastern tensions, where he characterised Iran’s involvement as a major destabilising factor. He reaffirmed his stance on the need for robust action to dismantle “terrorist” groups that threaten Israeli and U.S. interests in the region.
He warned on Monday that there would be “hell to pay” in the Middle East if hostages held in the Gaza Strip were not released before his inauguration on January 20.
“(If) the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity,” he has been quoted by different reports as saying.
During the deadly 2023 attack on Israel, Hamas-led militants captured over 250 individuals, according to Israeli reports, including dual Israeli-American nationals.
According to media reports, "Trump emphasised that a strong response was necessary not only to counter Hamas but also to deal with Hezbollah. He argued that the U.S. will continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself. Trump alluded to the possibility of increased American military involvement if the situation escalates further."
Amid the military campaigns, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The war has displaced more than 90% of Gaza’s population. It has left millions without access to basic necessities like food, water and medical care.
The international community, including the United Nationsbc.game, has called for greater efforts to deliver aid and mediate ceasefires to alleviate civilian suffering.