According to Mahmoud Basal, a spokesman for Gaza's civil defense service, the airstrike resulted in at least 23 confirmed deaths, including eight children, and reports suggest that around 20 individuals remain missing. The devastation extended to the complete destruction of eight buildings within the already distressed neighborhood—a site that had previously been identified by Israeli officials as requiring evacuation due to heightened military activity.
In response to the incident, the Israeli military stated that the strike aimed to eliminate a Hamas officer believed to be involved in planning attacks against Israel. However, the military did not disclose the officer's identity or the intelligence specifics that prompted the airstrike. As investigations into the strike continue, Israel emphasized that they are committed to minimizing civilian harm during military operations.
Despite this commitment, the ongoing conflict has raised questions regarding Israel's obligations under international law to safeguard civilian lives. A New York Times investigation highlighted how rules around civilian casualties have been loosened by the Israeli military in recent operations—drawing further scrutiny as local authorities report the significant civilian toll.
Rescue operations on the ground faced significant challenges, as civil defense teams lacked the heavy machinery necessary to sift through the rubble effectively. Several other airstrikes reportedly targeted the same neighborhood, with rescuer efforts hindered by the scale of distress and the limited resources available.
As eyewitness accounts flood in and information remains dynamic, PulseWire.news will continue to monitor developments in this tragic story, providing updates and real-time coverage of the conflict in Gaza.
In response to the incident, the Israeli military stated that the strike aimed to eliminate a Hamas officer believed to be involved in planning attacks against Israel. However, the military did not disclose the officer's identity or the intelligence specifics that prompted the airstrike. As investigations into the strike continue, Israel emphasized that they are committed to minimizing civilian harm during military operations.
Despite this commitment, the ongoing conflict has raised questions regarding Israel's obligations under international law to safeguard civilian lives. A New York Times investigation highlighted how rules around civilian casualties have been loosened by the Israeli military in recent operations—drawing further scrutiny as local authorities report the significant civilian toll.
Rescue operations on the ground faced significant challenges, as civil defense teams lacked the heavy machinery necessary to sift through the rubble effectively. Several other airstrikes reportedly targeted the same neighborhood, with rescuer efforts hindered by the scale of distress and the limited resources available.
As eyewitness accounts flood in and information remains dynamic, PulseWire.news will continue to monitor developments in this tragic story, providing updates and real-time coverage of the conflict in Gaza.
