- Hamas says Israeli strikes kill 40 in Gaza safe zone
- Israel says it targeted a Hamas centre and tried to minimise civilian deaths
- Hamas denied its presence in the area
Hamas says Israeli strikes kill 40 in Gaza safe zone
At least 40 people were killed and dozens injured in southern Gaza following Israeli airstrikes on a designated humanitarian zone, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence authority. Israel’s military said it targeted a Hamas operations centre in Khan Younis and took measures to minimise civilian casualties. However, local residents reported strikes hitting tents housing displaced people, creating large craters.
Unverified videos show civilians frantically digging through the sand to rescue others. While the Israeli military claims it struck Hamas militants operating within the humanitarian zone, Hamas has denied the presence of its fighters in the area, calling the claims false.
Thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge in Khan Younis since Israel’s military operations began in October.
