Deadly Israeli Strike On Displaced Palestinian Camp In Gaza Claims 40 Lives

At least 40 people were killed and 60 injured in an Israeli airstrike on a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza, highlighting the humanitarian crisis.

At least 40 people have died and 60 were injured in an Israeli attack on a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza, according to civil emergency authorities. The tents, located in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis, were struck early Tuesday morning, Aljazeera reported citing Gaza's Civil Defence.

Al-Mawasi has been crowded with Palestinians living in tents since the Israeli army declared the coastal area a "safe zone" during its ground invasions of Khan Younis and nearby Rafah. Witnesses described chaotic scenes with fires burning and Israeli reconnaissance planes circling overhead.

Rescue Efforts and Devastation

Rescuers searching for survivors found craters up to 9 metres (30 ft) deep at the tent camp, Al Jazeera Arabic reported, citing local sources. A spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defence described the attack as "one of the most heinous massacres in this frenzied war". Ambulance and civil defence crews faced difficulties retrieving bodies from the scene.

Israeli authorities claimed they had targeted "significant Hamas terrorists" operating from a command and control centre within the humanitarian zone in Khan Younis. The Israel Foreign Ministry stated on X that these terrorists had advanced and carried out attacks against Israeli troops and the state of Israel.

Claims and Counterclaims

The ministry added that several measures were taken to minimise civilian harm, including using precise munitions and aerial surveillance. However, Hamas denied that its fighters were present in the targeted area, accusing Israeli authorities of lying to justify their actions. "The resistance has denied several times that any of its members exist within civilian gatherings or use these places for military purposes," Hamas said in a statement.

The spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defence noted that initial assessments suggested significant destruction at the site. The attack has intensified concerns about civilian safety in designated "safe zones" amid ongoing conflict.

The situation remains tense as both sides continue to exchange accusations over responsibility for civilian casualties. The international community is closely monitoring developments, urging restraint and protection for non-combatants.