DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Medical authorities in Palestine have reported that an Israeli airstrike in the northern region of Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, with a significant number of them being women and children.

Hossam Abu Safiya, who serves as the director of a local hospital that treated the victims, stated that the airstrike occurred late on Monday and targeted a residence in the town of Beit Lahiya, where multiple families had sought refuge.

The fatalities included a heartbreaking toll of eight women and six children, as indicated in a report released by the emergency service of the Gaza Health Ministry.