At least 71 Palestinians have been killed and over 289 injured in a devastating Israeli air strike targeting a densely populated area of displaced people in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis, Gaza. The strike, which occurred despite the Israeli military designating the area as a safe zone for shelter, has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about escalating violence in the region.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, the strike caused extensive destruction, with eyewitnesses describing the scene as resembling an earthquake. Videos from the area depict smouldering wreckage and harrowing scenes of bloodied casualties being carried away on stretchers. Desperate efforts to search through rubble for survivors were evident, underscoring the severity of the damage inflicted.
The Israeli military has acknowledged the incident and stated that it is investigating the circumstances. Reports from Israeli media suggest that senior Hamas leader Mohammed Deif was a target of the attack, though this has not been confirmed officially.
Speaking to BBC, an eyewitness recounted the chaos at the scene, while footage from the nearby Kuwait field hospital highlighted the overwhelming demand for medical attention, with patients being treated on the floor due to the influx of casualties.
In response to the strike, a Hamas official, quoted by Reuters, condemned it as a “grave escalation” and criticized Israel for allegedly disregarding efforts to achieve a ceasefire agreement. The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with international calls for restraint and renewed efforts to broker peace.
