In a devastating escalation of violence, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that an Israeli air strike on a five-storey residential building in Beit Lahia killed at least 34 people, including women and children.
Dozens Still Missing
Civil defence spokesperson Mahmud Bassal revealed that 59 individuals are still unaccounted for, buried under the rubble. “The chances of rescuing more wounded are decreasing due to ongoing shelling,” Bassal stated.
Harrowing Scenes on the Ground
Footage from AFPTV depicted frantic rescue efforts as residents, covered in dust, tried to pull survivors from the ruins. Some bodies were transported away on donkey-pulled carts, highlighting the dire situation.
Military Response
The Israeli military confirmed conducting strikes on “terrorist targets” in Beit Lahia, justifying the action as part of their ongoing efforts to neutralize Hamas militants. They claimed to have issued warnings urging civilians to evacuate the area.
Displacement and Fear
Palestinians fleeing Beit Lahia described a night of relentless shelling.
“All night long, shells were fired at us, and in the morning, leaflets were dropped telling us to leave,” recounted Umm Mohammed al-Debs.
Calls for International Intervention
Hamas condemned the air strike as a “massacre,” while the Palestinian presidency accused the U.S. of enabling Israel’s actions. The Palestinian foreign ministry urged immediate international intervention to halt the violence.
Rising Death Toll
According to Gaza’s health ministry, the 13-month-long conflict has claimed over 43,800 lives, predominantly civilians. The United Nations has deemed these figures credible, underscoring the catastrophic human toll.