Another Israeli Strike on Gaza Tent Camp Kills at Least 19, Including Children, Raising Outrage
An Israeli airstrike targeting a crowded tent camp housing Palestinian civilians displaced by the ongoing war in Gaza has killed at least 19 people, including children, and wounded over 60 on Tuesday, The Associated Press reports, citing Palestinian officials.
The strike, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the safety of civilians amidst the nearly year-long conflict.
The Israeli military claimed it had targeted senior Hamas militants with precise munitions in a command-and-control center located within the camp, which is designated as a humanitarian zone by Israel. However, witnesses and first responders at the scene disputed the Israeli account, describing a scene of devastation and carnage in an area intended to provide refuge to civilians.
The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed the death toll of at least 19, with the possibility of more bodies being recovered. The Civil Defense, first responders under the Hamas-run government, initially reported 40 fatalities. The Israeli military disputed that number.
Hamas, in a statement, denied the presence of militants in the area, calling the Israeli allegations a “blatant lie.”
The strike comes as the Israeli-Hamas war enters its ninth month, with both sides engaged in intense fighting that has resulted in heavy civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The incident is likely to further escalate tensions and raise concerns about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
International observers and human rights groups have repeatedly called for a cessation of hostilities and for the protection of civilians in both Gaza and Israel. However, negotiations for a ceasefire have stalled, leaving the conflict to drag on with devastating consequences for the Palestinian population.
