Over 40 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a crowded humanitarian safe zone for displaced Palestinians in Gaza on Tuesday. The attack targeted Al-Mawasi, a tent encampment near Khan Younis, hitting with four missiles and leaving behind deep craters. The strike injured at least 60 others and ignited fires in the area.
Israel stated the strike was aimed at Hamas militants allegedly operating in the zone, but Hamas denied any presence of gunmen, calling the claims false. Civil defense teams are still searching for victims, with entire families buried in the sand. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received around two dozen bodies from the attack.
The war, which began on October 7 following a deadly Hamas attack in southern Israel, has forced almost all of Gaza’s 2.3 million people to flee their homes. Israel’s offensive has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Attempts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage release have stalled, with both sides making new demands.
Gaza’s humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with aid delivery obstructed by the ongoing conflict. On Monday, Israeli troops delayed a UN convoy involved in a polio vaccination campaign for eight hours, despite prior coordination. The campaign is crucial following the discovery of the first polio case in Gaza in 25 years.
