Israeli Strikes Kill 40 in Gaza Safe Zone, Hamas-Run Authorities Say

Israeli airstrikes in a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza have killed at least 40 people and injured more than 60, according to Hamas-run Civil Defence authorities. The strikes occurred in the al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis, which is home to thousands of displaced Palestinians seeking refuge from ongoing conflict. Local residents reported that three strikes targeted tents housing displaced people, creating craters seven meters deep and burying over 20 tents.

Eyewitnesses described the devastating scene, with large explosions rocking the al-Mawasi area shortly after midnight. Flames were seen rising into the sky, and unverified videos showed civilians desperately digging through the sand with their hands, trying to rescue those trapped under the rubble. Khaled Mahmoud, a volunteer for a charity living near the site, expressed shock at the scale of the destruction, saying, “The strikes created three craters seven metres deep and buried more than 20 tents.”

The Israeli military stated that its aircraft targeted an operations center belonging to Hamas fighters in Khan Younis. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that the targeted location was embedded within a command and control center used by Hamas fighters inside the humanitarian area. An IDF spokesperson asserted that multiple measures were taken to minimize the risk of civilian casualties, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and other means.

“The terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip continue to systematically abuse civilian and humanitarian infrastructure, including the designated Humanitarian Area, to carry out terrorist activity against the State of Israel and IDF troops,” the spokesperson added.

Hamas, however, rejected the Israeli military’s claims, labeling them as “blatant” lies. According to Hamas, there were no fighters present in the al-Mawasi area at the time of the strikes, and they denied using civilian gatherings or humanitarian zones for military purposes. “The resistance has denied several times that any of its members exist within civilian gatherings or are using these places for military purposes,” a statement from Hamas read.

This incident marks one of the deadliest attacks on a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza since the escalation of the conflict in October. Thousands of displaced Palestinians have fled to Khan Younis, hoping to find safety from the ongoing violence. The Israeli military campaign in Gaza was launched in response to a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and 251 hostages being taken. Since then, more than 40,900 people have been reported killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with increasing casualties and displacement compounding the challenges for aid workers and medical personnel. The international community has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and the protection of civilian lives, urging both sides to exercise restraint and prioritize humanitarian concerns. However, both Israel and Hamas have maintained their respective positions, with little sign of de-escalation in sight.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, as ongoing hostilities contribute to a rising toll of human suffering. The strikes on al-Mawasi highlight the complex and often tragic dynamics of the conflict, where military objectives and civilian safety frequently clash. As the conflict continues, the need for urgent humanitarian assistance and diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting peace grows ever more critical.