In the latest escalation of violence in southern Gaza, at least 40 people have been killed and dozens more injured in Israeli strikes on a designated humanitarian zone. According to the Hamas-run Civil Defence authority, the strikes targeted tents housing displaced people in al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis, creating seven metre-deep craters.
The Israeli military claimed that its aircraft attacked an operations centre belonging to Hamas fighters and had taken steps to minimize harm to civilians. Despite these claims, local residents reported a devastating toll on the civilian population.
The operations director of Hamas’s Civil Defence authority stated that 40 people were killed and more than 60 injured, with many still trapped under rubble. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson defended the attack, saying they targeted “significant Hamas terrorists” within a command and control center.
The situation remains tense as both sides continue to exchange fire, leaving the civilian population caught in the crossfire. The international community has called for a de-escalation of the conflict to prevent further loss of life.