At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a building sheltering displaced individuals in the Al-Amal neighborhood of Khan Younis city, located in the southern Gaza Strip, according to a statement released on Wednesday by the Health Ministry in Gaza.
The attack occurred amid escalating tensions in the region, where civilian casualties have been mounting due to ongoing hostilities. The targeted building was reportedly housing families who had been displaced from other areas of Gaza, seeking refuge from the conflict.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as rescue workers and residents combed through the rubble in search of survivors. Medical teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, where facilities are already strained due to the high number of casualties in recent weeks.
International organizations have expressed concern over the increasing number of civilian deaths in Gaza, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and adherence to international humanitarian law. The United Nations has urged all parties involved to protect civilians and allow for the delivery of essential aid.
The Israeli Defense Forces have stated that their operations are aimed at eliminating militant threats, but the high toll on civilian life has drawn widespread condemnation. Khan Younis, one of the most densely populated areas in the Gaza Strip, has been particularly affected by recent military actions.
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating, with shortages of food, water, and medical supplies exacerbating the plight of the population. Efforts by international mediators to broker a ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful.
The incident highlights the urgent need for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
