An Israeli air strike on a home sheltering displaced people in central Gaza has killed at least 11 individuals, civil defence authorities reported to AFP on Thursday.
The Gaza civil defence spokesman, Mahmud Bassal, stated: “Eleven people were killed and many are missing or wounded after an Israeli airstrike targeted a house… which was sheltering displaced people north of Al-Zawaida in the central Gaza Strip.”
Among the victims were several children, whose bodies were transferred to a nearby hospital.
Context of the Conflict
| Aspect | Details |
| Total Palestinian casualties (since conflict began) | At least 65,419, mostly civilians (according to Gaza health ministry) |
| Triggering Event | Hamas attack on Israel, 7 October 2023 |
| Israeli fatalities from attack | 1,219, mostly civilians |
| Recent offensive focus | Gaza City |
| UN Findings | UN probe accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza |
| Israel’s Response | Rejected UN report as “distorted and false” |
The recent escalation has forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes in Gaza. Media restrictions and restricted access to affected areas have made independent verification of casualties and damages difficult.
Najia Abu Amsha, a Palestinian whose nephew was killed while waiting for aid, described the devastation: “We lost our children, our homes and our places. We became beggars and sick.”
In addition to the immediate casualties, large portions of Gaza have been laid to waste, and last month a UN-backed body officially declared famine in part of the territory.
