Israeli Strike on Gaza Refugee Camp Kills 40, Palestinians Say
An Israeli airstrike on a densely populated tent camp for Palestinians displaced by the ongoing Gaza conflict left at least 40 dead and 60 others injured early Tuesday, according to Palestinian officials. Israel stated it was targeting Hamas fighters in the area, though the armed group that rules the Gaza Strip denied the claim.
The strike hit Al Mawasi, a crowded area near Khan Yunis along Gaza’s coastline that was designated as a safe zone for civilians seeking refuge from the fighting between Israel and Hamas. Gaza’s Civil Defense reported that entire families were killed, and first responders recovered 40 bodies, with more victims still being searched for. Witnesses described the chaotic aftermath, with survivors and rescue workers digging through sand and rubble using their hands and mobile phone lights to find remains.
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Israel’s military said the strike was aimed at Hamas operatives in a command center, using precise munitions to avoid civilian casualties. The military has emphasized its efforts to minimize harm to noncombatants throughout the war, accusing Hamas of using civilian areas as shields for their operations. Hamas, in turn, denied any combatants were in the area at the time of the attack.
The war, which began after a Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, has led to massive displacement, with 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents affected.
