Gaza, Sept 10 V7N- In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israeli military forces carried out a missile strike early Tuesday on a humanitarian zone in the Gaza Strip, leaving dozens of Palestinians dead or wounded. The attack targeted the Mawasi coastal community near Khan Younis, a designated humanitarian area where many displaced Palestinians sought refuge amid the war between Israel and Hamas. The zone had been set up as a haven for civilians impacted by the conflict.

Footage shared online showed the devastation, with deep craters left by the missiles, destroyed tents, and scattered personal belongings like bicycles. Rescue efforts continued through the night, with workers and locals digging through the debris, illuminated only by their mobile phones. Some craters were reported to be as deep as 10 meters (32 feet).

The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted Hamas terrorists operating within a command-and-control center. Despite this, there was no immediate evidence provided to support the claim. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that five missiles struck the area, though exact casualty numbers remain unclear.

The humanitarian toll of the war has been staggering, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting over 40,000 Palestinian deaths since the fighting began. Meanwhile, the Israeli military claims it used “precise munitions” and aerial surveillance to minimize civilian casualties during the attack.

This strike comes as tensions rise over humanitarian efforts in the region. The United Nations’ aid agency for displaced Palestinians reported that an Israeli military convoy stopped a UN team for eight hours on Monday, interrupting their work on a polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza. The convoy was held at gunpoint, and significant damage was inflicted on UN vehicles. The head of the UN agency, Philippe Lazzarini, emphasized the need for safe passage for aid workers under international humanitarian law. The Israeli military has yet to comment on the incident.

END/WD/RH