The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza reports that an Israeli air strike on a designated humanitarian area killed at least 71 Palestinians and injured more than 289. Israel stated the attack aimed at senior Hamas leaders, specifically targeting the head of Hamas’s military wing, Mohammed Deif, and took place in an “open area” claimed to have no civilians. The strike hit the al-Mawasi area near Khan Younis, which the Israeli military had designated as a humanitarian zone.
An Israeli military official could not confirm the death toll or if the two Hamas men were among the casualties, but mentioned that Hamas had set up in a civilian area. News Agency confirmed the strike occurred within an area shown on the IDF website as a humanitarian zone. The official also noted that no hostages from the October 7 attack on Israel were believed to be in the area. The strike also targeted Hamas commander Rafa Salama in Khan Younis, based on “accurate intelligence.”
Read more: Hamas Agrees To Engage In Discussions Proposed By The US Regarding Israeli Hostages
Hamas refuted the claim, stating that Israel’s assertions about targeting their leaders have often proven false. “It is not the first time Israel claims to target Palestinian leaders, only to be proven false later,” Hamas said in a statement.
An eyewitness in al-Mawasi described the aftermath of the strike as resembling an “earthquake,” with videos showing smoldering wreckage and bloodied casualties being carried on stretchers. People were seen desperately sifting through the rubble of a large crater with their hands.
A doctor at a hospital responding to the aftermath of the attack told that it was “one of the black days.” Dr. Mohammed Abu Rayya reported that most incoming cases were fatalities, with others suffering from multiple shrapnel wounds. He described the scene as like being in “hell,” with many casualties being civilians, especially women and children. Footage from the nearby Kuwait field hospital showed chaotic conditions, with patients being treated on the floor.
The Nasser medical complex in Khan Younis is “overwhelmed” and unable to function, according to the British charity Medical Aid for Palestinians. On Wednesday, the Israeli military ordered all residents of Gaza City to evacuate south to central Gaza due to intensified operations in the north.
Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas’ military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, is a key target for Israel’s military and is known for evading capture despite multiple assassination attempts. He is believed to be one of the masterminds behind the October 7 Hamas attack, which resulted in around 1,200 Israeli and foreign deaths, primarily civilians, and led to over 38,400 Palestinian fatalities during the ongoing Israeli military operation.
A Hamas official described the latest attack as a “grave escalation,” indicating Israel’s lack of interest in reaching a ceasefire, especially after failed negotiations in Qatar and Egypt.
