At least 37 Palestinians have died following a series of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, primarily targeting areas where displaced civilians have set up tents. The strikes occurred in al-Mawasi, a region near Khan Younis, and reports indicate that many of the victims were women and children.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene after a powerful explosion engulfed tents in flames. One resident recounted waking up to screams and panic, watching as fire spread rapidly from tent to tent. Another survivor said that many children were among the dead, and a woman shared that ten members of her family were killed while they slept.
The Israeli military has not yet commented on the strikes but is looking into the reports. Civil defense officials stated that two missiles struck the tented area, killing at least 16 people and injuring 23 others. Video footage from the scene showed the aftermath, with belongings scattered across the ground and survivors surveying the destruction.
The attacks in al-Mawasi were part of a broader Israeli military campaign that has intensified since March. Over the past few days, additional airstrikes in northern Gaza have resulted in further casualties, including seven people in Beit Lahia and ten in Jabalia, where a family of seven was killed in one strike.
The Israeli Defense Forces announced that they targeted over 100 sites believed to be associated with Hamas, claiming the strikes aimed to eliminate terror threats. However, these operations have led to a significant loss of civilian life, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 1,691 deaths since the renewed conflict began in March.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with many aid organizations warning of a total collapse of the aid system. Leaders from 12 major NGOs recently stated that the ongoing crisis represents one of the worst humanitarian failures in recent history. Israel maintains that it is committed to its military objectives while also stating that there is no shortage of aid entering Gaza.
The conflict escalated dramatically on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of hostages. Since then, the Israeli military campaign has resulted in significant casualties, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting over 51,000 deaths in Gaza.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can bring an end to the violence and suffering on both sides.