War in Middle East - Palestinians: Die bei Angriffen auf humanitarische Zone
At an Israeli air strike on a humanitarian area in the southern Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian reports, at least 71 people were killed. The target was reportedly the leader of Hamas military wing, Mohammed Deif, according to unverified reports from Israeli media. It remained unclear if Deif was hit, injured or killed.
Israel's Army refused to comment on the reports from "Israel Hayom" newspaper and Israeli Channel KAN.
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Defense Minister Joav Galant had recently assessed the operational situation with Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and the head of the domestic intelligence service Shin Bet, Ronen Bar.
At least 289 more people were injured in the Al-Mawasi humanitarian area, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority. Many of them were reportedly critical, according to medical sources. Tents of displaced people were reportedly hit. The reports could not be independently verified at first. The Israeli Army stated they would look into the reports upon request.
A goal of Israel's operation in Gaza is to capture or kill Deif and Hamas leader in the coastal region, Jihia al-Sinwar. They are considered the two most important Hamas leaders within the Gaza Strip. In March, the army announced the killing of the third-highest Hamas leader in Gaza, Marwan Issa.
According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, there were several intense attacks in the area in the morning. Employees at the nearby Nasser Hospital reported that there were not enough beds to accommodate the large number of casualties from the attacks on Gaza.
Israel's Army had previously announced today that operations were ongoing throughout the entire Gaza Strip. In Rafah, troops reportedly destroyed numerous tunnels on Friday and killed several Hamas members. The fighting in Gaza reportedly continued.
- The international community condemned the Israeli air raid in the Palestinian territories, particularly the strike on the Gaza Strip, citing the high civilian casualties and the proximity to a humanitarian area.
- Joe Galant, the Israeli Defense Minister, along with Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, discussed the operational situation in the Gaza Strip, including the ongoing conflicts with Hamas and potential future targets.
- The Gaza Strip has been the center of numerous wars and conflicts between Israel and Hamas, with the latest air raid adding to the long history of hostilities and displacement of the local population.
- The AA news agency reported an Air raid on a hostel in Gaza, causing further casualties and damage, although the Israeli Army has not confirmed these claims.
- Hamas responded to the Israeli air strikes by launching rockets into Israel, escalating the tensions and increasing the likelihood of a full-scale conflict between the two entities in the Gaza Strip.
