Regional authorities state that Israeli air raids on Gaza ‘safe zone’ murders dozens

(MENAFN) On Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted an airstrike targeting alleged senior Hamas members in southern Gaza, specifically in the al-Mawasi area near Khan Younis. This location had previously been designated as a "safe zone" for displaced civilians. The strike has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with reports indicating at least 90 deaths and nearly 300 injuries, according to the Gaza health ministry.

Civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal reported that many bodies remain scattered in the streets and under rubble, inaccessible due to ongoing heavy shelling by the Israeli military in the area. The IDF stated that the airstrike occurred in an open area surrounded by trees and structures, releasing aerial images of the site before and after the attack. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the strike involved multiple waves, utilizing several fighter jets and drones.

While the IDF did not publicly confirm the specific targets, unnamed Israeli officials indicated that the operation aimed to capture Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas' military wing, along with another senior commander. In response, Hamas dismissed the claims as an attempt to justify what they termed another "horrific massacre" by the Israeli forces. The group criticized Israel for repeatedly claiming to target Palestinian leaders without substantiating those claims.

This incident adds to the escalating tensions and casualties in Gaza, highlighting the ongoing conflict and the severe impact on civilian populations amidst military operations.

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