The Israeli army launched a devastating bombing raid on the Al Mawasi emergency area in southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 90 people and injuring 289 others, as reported by the Ministry of Health of the Strip. This tragic event has intensified the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with the latter denying claims that the attack targeted their military chief, Mohamed Deif.
Hamas has condemned the bombing, calling it a massacre of innocent and defenseless civilians. They argue that Israel's claims of targeting Palestinian leaders are false and serve to mask the scale of civilian casualties. The death toll in Gaza from the current conflict has now surpassed 38,400, making this one of the deadliest periods in the region's history.
The United States has been implicated by Palestinian officials, with Nabil Abu Rudeinah, spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, stating that the U.S. government shares responsibility for the massacre due to its alliance with Israel. Hamas echoed this sentiment, accusing the U.S. administration of being a direct collaborator in the crime.
The bombing occurred at 10:30 AM, with Israeli fighter jets conducting massive raids, according to the official Palestinian agency Wafa. Local health authorities have raised alarms about the inability of hospitals to handle the influx of victims, further exacerbated by the destruction of Gaza's health infrastructure.
Emergency services have also been targeted, as reported by Mohammed al-Mughair, a member of the emergency services. He stated that while attempting to assist victims, their vehicles were attacked, resulting in the death of two colleagues and serious injuries to others. Videos circulating on social media show additional projectiles falling as victims were being evacuated.
The Al Mawasi area has become a refuge for hundreds of thousands of displaced people, forced to move by the conflict. Humanitarian organizations have criticized the living conditions in the area, which lacks basic necessities for the large displaced population. The first images from the attack show a scene of devastation, with citizens collecting bodies amidst the rubble.
Israel's military operation aimed at Mohamed Deif, an elusive Hamas leader, has not confirmed his death or injury. Deif, along with Yahia Sinwar, is considered by Israel to be responsible for the October 7 massacre that killed approximately 1,200 people in Israeli territory. This attack has been a significant trigger for the current conflict.
Negotiations for a ceasefire are ongoing in Qatar and Egypt, aiming to halt the violence and secure the release of over one hundred hostages held since October 7. Despite these talks, Israeli attacks continue, with recent bombings in the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City killing at least 17 people during a prayer.
In a separate operation, the Israeli army targeted a paragliding depot in Rafah, used by Hamas during the October 7 massacre. The IDF reported dismantling numerous terror tunnels and eliminating several Hamas terrorists during these raids. The ongoing conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
