An Israeli airstrike on a humanitarian zone in southern Gaza designated by Israel itself led to the deaths and injuries of dozens of Palestinians, according to local officials. Israel claimed the strike targeted Hamas fighters operating in the area. The attack occurred in Al-Mawasi, where displaced people had sought refuge.
Conflicting reports emerged, with Gaza’s Civil Defense initially stating 40 people had been killed, while hospitals received 19 bodies. More than 60 people were injured, and rescuers struggled to retrieve victims due to limited resources.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) defended the strike, stating that it was aimed at significant Hamas commanders, including Samer Ismail Khadr Abu Daqqa, Osama Tabesh, and Ayman Mabhouh, who they accused of being involved in past attacks on Israel and planning future ones.
Hamas, however, denied that their fighters were in the area, calling Israel’s claim a fabrication. The airstrike hit a region where thousands of displaced Palestinians were living in makeshift tents, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Israeli Airstrike on Humanitarian Zone in Gaza Kills Dozens, Sparks Controversy Over Targeting and Civilian Impact
The attack comes amid Israel’s broader military offensive following the October 7 Hamas-led assault on Israel. This has led to widespread destruction in Gaza, with more than 41,000 Palestinians killed and tens of thousands injured.
Human rights organizations have condemned the targeting of so-called safe zones, accusing Israeli forces of displacing civilians without providing proper safety or refuge. In this particular incident, many Palestinians were asleep when the airstrike occurred, with entire families wiped out.
The aftermath of the strike left a devastating scene, as survivors sifted through debris to salvage what remained of their belongings. Witnesses described a night of chaos, as rockets fell without warning, creating massive craters and burying tents and shelters. Rescuers faced significant challenges due to the intensity of the explosions and the limited resources available to them.
Israel’s military justified the operation, stating that precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties, such as using precise munitions and aerial surveillance. However, Gaza Civil Defense said no warnings were given to civilians in Al-Mawasi, where hundreds of tents were set up.
Two weapons experts suggested that 2,000-pound bombs were likely used, based on the size of the craters and the extent of the damage. Despite these claims, the strike has drawn significant criticism from human rights groups.
The strike on Al-Mawasi is part of Israel’s broader campaign to dismantle Hamas’s leadership, with the Israeli military claiming to have eliminated half of the group’s commanders. Nonetheless, there are indications of Hamas’s resilience, even in areas previously cleared by Israeli forces.
The humanitarian toll continues to mount, with nearly 1.9 million people displaced across Gaza. Families of the victims gathered at hospitals to mourn, with the crisis showing little sign of abating.
