Gazan officials reported a devastating strike in Beit Lahia, with casualties including children. The Palestinian Civil Defense stated at least 55 people were killed, while Gaza’s Health Ministry raised the toll to at least 93, with 25 of those being children. This attack marked the Israeli military's third strike in northern Gaza in just over a week as it escalates its offensive against Hamas.
A U.S. State Department spokesman described the incident as "horrifying" and noted that many victims had likely fled from other areas of Gaza. The Israeli military claimed it is targeting a regrouped Hamas presence in the region and is investigating reports of civilian casualties, asserting that the area was an "active combat zone" that had been evacuated.
Hamas condemned the attack as a "horrific massacre," calling for international intervention. This escalation in violence follows previous strikes on residential buildings in Beit Lahia, which had similarly resulted in significant casualties.
Analysts suggest that Israel's approach has been ineffective, as Hamas has been able to reestablish itself in areas previously targeted. Michael Milshtein, a former Israeli military intelligence officer, criticized this cycle of engagement and withdrawal, questioning when lessons will be learned.
As the death toll continues to rise, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. The United Nations has warned of catastrophic conditions, with about 400,000 people trapped in the north, lacking access to food and medical supplies. Recent Israeli legislation, which limits the operations of UNRWA, the main U.N. agency aiding Palestinians, could exacerbate the situation further, according to U.S. and U.N. officials.
The Biden administration has expressed concern over these laws, warning of potential consequences for Israel and highlighting the critical role of UNRWA in providing essential services to millions of Palestinians. Israel has long criticized UNRWA, alleging that it contributes to the ongoing conflict, accusing some of its employees of complicity in violence against Israel.
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