Israel’s military launched a missile strike early Tuesday on a humanitarian zone in the Gaza Strip, killing and injuring dozens of Palestinians, according to international media reports quoting authorities concerned.
The strike targeted the Mawasi coastal community, west of Khan Younis, a location designated by Israel as a humanitarian zone, AP reported. The area hosts many Palestinians displaced by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which escalated on October 7 when Hamas forces retaliated to decades-long occupational crimes committed by Israel on Palestinians. Since then the strikes have continued in Gaza killing 40,000 people so far.
The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted “key Hamas terrorists” operating from a command-and-control center, though no further evidence was provided.
Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that dozens were killed and injured but did not specify exact numbers. It stated that five missiles hit the area, leaving large craters, the AP report stated.
Israel’s military said it used “precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and other methods” to minimise civilian casualties.
Footage on social media showed deep craters and widespread destruction, with rescue workers and civilians digging through debris, illuminated by mobile phones.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 40,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict began, though the figures do not distinguish between civilians and fighters. The war has caused massive displacement, affecting 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
