Israel Hamas War: Israeli army fired missile on children in Gaza, Netanyahu apologized

On July 13, an Israeli missile struck a water collection site within the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Dozens of Palestinians, including many young children, were gathered with empty jerry cans waiting to fetch clean drinking water. In an instant, the missile impacted the crowd, killing at least eight civilians—reports indicate six of the deceased were children—and injuring around 17 others, according to local medical officials at Al‑Awda Hospital Reuters+12Arab News PK+12KSAT+12.

The Israeli military, in its statement, identified the intended target as an Islamic Jihad operative, but acknowledged that a technical malfunction caused the missile to veer off-course, landing “dozens of meters” from the intended target and tragically striking civilians instead Arab News PK+1The Business Standard+1. The IDF expressed regret over civilian casualties and said the incident was under internal review Arab News PK+1The Business Standard+1.

This attack took place against a backdrop of critical shortages in Gaza—most notably water, food, fuel, and medicine—due to an Israeli blockade triggered by the resumption of hostilities in March. With wastewater plants offline and desalination systems disrupted, Palestinians have been forced to rely on limited trucked-in water at communal filling stations . The deadly precision strike on civilians during such vulnerability has shocked many around the world.

In addition to this water-point tragedy, the same day witnessed at least 32 fatalities from various strikes across Gaza—including a separate strike near Gaza City and high civilian tolls in Deir al‑Balah—with local health authorities reporting more than 58,000 deaths since the war began The Business Standard+12New Haven Register+12mtpr.org+12. A harrowing image emerged from these incidents: a Palestinian boy embracing the body of his friend, both victims of the strike while collecting water WHEC.com+7Times Union+7WHRO Public Media+7.

The number of casualties at this single water collection point—six children among them—has reignited global condemnation. Critics are questioning the precision and safety of military operations in areas where civilians gather in dire need of essentials. International human rights organizations have demanded transparent investigations into how a misfired missile could so catastrophically injure the vulnerable.

Israel’s leadership has described the strike as a tragic accident. A spokesperson stated that the missile was meant for a militant target but “fell short” due to technical failure, regretting any harm caused to civilians Arab News PK+1Reuters+1. Meanwhile, talk of a 60‑day U.S.-backed ceasefire continues in the background, but mediators warn terms remain contested, especially over Israeli troop presence on Gazan soil during any pause in fighting Reuters+1KSAT+1.

Broader Context & Impact

Russian UN agencies and international NGOs highlight that this is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern. In recent weeks, similar strikes and shootings have hit civilians at food and medical distribution points. One such attack in late June resulted in over 18 deaths, prompting the IDF to open a war-crimes inquiry The Guardian.

A July 10 strike in Deir al‑Balah also claimed 10 child lives, raising fresh questions about the safety and ethics of targeting locations near civilian infrastructure like clinics and aid facilities Wikipedia+3Reuters+3The Guardian+3. Overall, Gaza’s death toll has surged beyond 58,000, with more than half identified as women and children New Haven Register+6KSAT+6mtpr.org+6.

Humanitarian & Political Fallout

The destruction of water-distribution infrastructure has compounded a dire humanitarian crisis. Medical services—especially for newborns—are at risk as fuel shortages shut down vital equipment. Thousands of aid trucks have been delayed or looted, leaving millions more to rely on limited water truck services .

Diplomatic efforts are underway amid these tragedies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted at conditional discussions around a permanent ceasefire, tied to Hamas surrendering its weapons and relinquishing control over Gaza Star Tribune+4WHEC.com+4Times Union+4. Hamas, however, is demanding the release of 10 living hostages in exchange—highlighting the impasse at the heart of negotiations .

What Comes Next?

IDF investigation: The military’s probe into this water-point strike and similar incidents will be scrutinized for transparency and accountability WHRO Public Media+2ideastream.org+2mtpr.org+2.

Ceasefire negotiations: U.S.–led mediations continue but remain precarious due to demands around troop presence, hostages, and disarmament conditions Wikipedia.

Humanitarian campaign intensifies: Aid agencies are calling for protected corridors, safer distribution points, and expanded fuel and medical access as Gaza nears full-scale crisis.

Global outrage: There is growing international pressure—including resolutions, public outrage, and calls for sanctions—demanding civilian safety and an end to punitive military tactics.

Conclusion

The firing down of a missile on a crowd of desperate, water-seeking civilians, especially children, lays bare the brutal human cost of Gaza’s prolonged siege and conflict. As IDF probes continue and ceasefire talks sputter on, families have lost children standing in line for the most basic of needs. Without immediate measures to shield civilian infrastructure, tragic mistakes risk slipping into routine. The world today faces a stark reality: in a land hardened by two years of siege, a child cannot fill a jug of water without risking their life.

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