The recent Israeli air strike on a designated humanitarian area in Gaza has left at least 71 Palestinians dead and more than 289 injured, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The strike, which Israel claims targeted senior Hamas leaders, hit the al-Mawasi area near Khan Younis, a zone designated by the Israeli military as a humanitarian zone.
Hamas has disputed Israel’s claim that their leaders were the targets of the strike, calling it “false”. The Israeli official stated that the strike was aimed at Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas’s military wing, and Rafa Salama, the Hamas commander for Khan Younis. The official defended the strike, saying it was based on accurate intelligence.
Eyewitnesses described the aftermath of the strike as resembling an earthquake, with smouldering wreckage and bloodied casualties being loaded onto stretchers. The Kuwait field hospital nearby was overwhelmed with patients being treated on the floor, while the Nasser medical complex in Khan Younis was unable to function due to the high number of casualties.
The attack has been condemned by Hamas officials as a “grave escalation” that shows Israel’s lack of interest in reaching a ceasefire agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to hold security talks in response to the incident.
Mohammed Deif, the target of the strike, is a top priority for Israel’s military due to his role in previous attacks. He has survived multiple assassination attempts and is considered a key figure in Hamas’ military operations.
The strike comes in the midst of escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, with the recent attack leading to a significant loss of life and further strain on the already fragile situation in Gaza.
