The health ministry in Gaza, managed by Hamas, announced that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of 141 Palestinians since Saturday. Approximately 400 people have been injured, according to the ministry’s statement.
One of the airstrikes reportedly struck a designated humanitarian zone in the al-Mawasi area near Khan Younis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the target was senior Hamas leader Mohammed Deif, but he acknowledged uncertainty regarding Deif’s death.
Eyewitnesses in al-Mawasi described the scene as resembling an “earthquake.” Videos from the area depict smouldering debris and injured individuals being placed on stretchers. BBC Verify analyzed footage confirming the strike occurred within an area designated as a humanitarian zone by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Additionally, Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defense agency reported a second Israeli strike on Saturday that killed 17 people, targeting a prayer hall in the Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City. The Israeli military has not commented on this claim.
In a news conference on Saturday, Netanyahu explained his decision to proceed with the al-Mawasi operation. He ensured no hostages were nearby, assessed collateral damage, and evaluated the weapons used. Netanyahu emphasized the goal of eliminating Hamas’s senior leadership, stating, “Either way, we will get to the whole of the leadership of Hamas.”
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, quoted by AFP, accused Netanyahu of obstructing a Gaza ceasefire with “heinous massacres.” Hamas denied their leaders were targets, calling Israel’s claims “false.”
An Israeli military official asserted the strike occurred in an “open area” devoid of civilians. He did not confirm if it was within a designated safe zone but accused Hamas leaders of “cynically” positioning themselves in civilian areas. The official added that “accurate intelligence” was obtained before the “precision strike” and mentioned no knowledge of hostages from the October 7 attack on Israel being present.
Dr. Mohammed Abu Rayya, at a hospital treating victims, described the scene as “hell,” with many casualties being civilians, including women and children. Footage from the nearby Kuwait field hospital showed chaotic conditions, with patients treated on the floor. The Nasser medical complex in Khan Younis is “overwhelmed” and no longer functioning, according to the British charity Medical Aid for
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