Israeli Assault in Southern Gaza Strip Results in 71 Fatalities, Confirms Gaza Health Ministry

In the south of Gaza, an Israeli attack on Saturday resulted in 71 fatalities and injured 289 individuals, as per the Gaza Health Ministry. The strike targeted the Khan Younis area, with many of the casualties and wounded taken to Nasser Hospital for treatment. Associated Press reporters at the hospital witnessed over 40 bodies and heard accounts of multiple bombing incidents.

Details are still unclear regarding whether the attack hit Muwasi, a designated humanitarian zone by Israel covering the area from northern Rafah to Khan Younis. This region has seen a significant influx of displaced Palestinians seeking refuge, mostly residing in precarious tent settlements.

Israel initiated its offensive in Gaza following an incursion by Hamas on October 7, during which militants breached southern Israel, resulting in around 1,200 fatalities, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of approximately 250 individuals.

In the ongoing conflict, Israeli military actions and airstrikes have claimed more than 38,300 lives in Gaza and left over 88,000 people injured according to the Health Ministry of the territory. The ministry’s casualty count does not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. The crisis has led to over 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents being displaced from their homes, with many currently residing in overcrowded and unsanitary tent camps, facing severe food shortages.