Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) engage in escalating violence, with Israel conducting airstrikes and killing a senior PIJ leader, while rockets are fired from Gaza, hindering prospects of an immediate ceasefire and impacting access to urgent medical treatment for patients in need. 

The conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) escalated as Israel conducted an airstrike in the Gaza Strip, killing a sixth senior PIJ leader. Iyad al-Hassani, who had been directing the group’s operations since his predecessor’s recent death, was targeted in the strike. The Israeli military retaliated following rocket attacks launched from Gaza, and the chances of an immediate ceasefire seemed slim. However, Egyptian officials presented a new ceasefire proposal, which is currently being reviewed. The violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 33 Palestinians, with approximately half being civilians, while one Israeli civilian has been killed. The rocket attacks aimed at Jerusalem indicate PIJ’s willingness to link events in the city with those in Gaza. Israel’s airstrikes have targeted multiple PIJ locations, including a residential building, resulting in casualties. The Israeli action aims to send a message not only to PIJ but also to Hamas. The recent fighting marks the most intense since August of the previous year. Over 970 rockets have been fired from Gaza, with most intercepted or landing in open areas. The Israeli military has struck numerous PIJ targets, causing destruction and damage to homes in Gaza. As the conflict continues, access to urgent medical treatment for seriously ill patients, including cancer patients, has been severely affected due to the closure of crossings to Israel.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-65571023.amp