Richmond: Israeli airstrikes hit a designated safe zone in southern Gaza early Tuesday, causing a large crater, destroying tents, and burying Palestinian families under sand. Palestinian officials report at least 40 deaths and around 60 injuries, while Israel claims it targeted a Hamas command center in the area.
The strikes affected a camp where many Palestinians had been relocated by the Israeli military for safety. Rescuers are struggling to reach all the victims due to the damage and debris.
In a separate incident, Israeli forces reportedly unintentionally killed a Turkish-American activist in the West Bank. The Israeli military has expressed regret over the death, stating it was likely an unintended consequence of aiming at another target.
The UN has condemned the strike on the Gaza safe zone and called for a ceasefire. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced multiple times due to ongoing conflict. The fighting has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.