Israeli airstrike targets Hamas military chief, kills 90 Palestinians in Gaza

At least 90 Palestinians were killed in Gaza as an Israeli airstrike targeted Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif.

The strike occurred in a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza, causing immense civilian casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed uncertainty about Deif’s death but vowed to continue targeting Hamas leadership. The attack is the deadliest in Gaza in weeks.

Displaced people in the area described their tents being torn down by the force of the strike, with bodies and body parts scattered on the ground. The United Nations chief, Antonio Guterres, expressed shock and sadness over the civilian deaths, emphasizing the need to uphold international humanitarian law.

Hamas denied that Deif had been killed and accused Israel of using false claims to justify the attack. The Israeli military stated that the strike also targeted Rafa Salama, the commander of Hamas’ Khan Younis Brigade, linking them to a previous attack on southern Israel that triggered the nine-month war in Gaza.

The strike took place in the Al-Mawasi area, which is a designated humanitarian zone. The Israeli military claimed that terrorists were hiding among civilians in the area. Ambulances rushed to the scene, and displaced people, including women and children, fled in panic.

The intensity of the Israeli offensive and a shortage of medical supplies overwhelmed the nearby Nasser Hospital, making it unable to function properly. Despite ceasefire talks in Doha and Cairo, negotiations were halted due to internal discord among Israeli mediators.

Critics have accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians, while Israel maintains that its actions are in self-defense. The situation remains tense, with protests calling for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

The international community continues to call for an independent probe and the upholding of international law.