Gaza Air Strikes: 20 Killed – Latest News
Overnight Israeli Air Strikes Kill 20, Including Children, Amid Hostage Negotiations
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Gaza City – At least 20 people, including six children, were killed in Israeli air strikes overnight in Gaza, according to the territory’s civil defence agency. The strikes targeted a tent housing displaced people in Khan Yunis and a camp in the north, escalating tensions as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss the ongoing campaign against Hamas.
Deadly Strikes Target Displaced Civilians
The first strike, shortly after midnight local time, hit a tent in Khan Yunis sheltering displaced individuals. Shortly after, a second strike impacted the Al-Shati camp near Gaza City. Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for Gaza’s civil defence agency, confirmed the casualties.
“The explosion was massive, like an earthquake,” recounted a witness to the Al-Shati air strike. “It destroyed the house and several nearby homes. The bodies and remains of the martyrs were scattered,” he added, describing the scene as “a horrific massacre.” Search efforts continue, with several people still missing and presumed trapped under the rubble.Another witness described the attack as “terrifying,” stating they and their family were asleep in a nearby tent at the time. “You can’t predict when or why they’ll bomb you. We have nothing left but to surrender ourselves to God.”
Mr. Bassal detailed that ten members of the same family were killed in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis,while the Al-Shati camp strike left over 30 wounded. the victims were from two families,highlighting the devastating impact on civilian populations.
Netanyahu Reaffirms Israel’s Objectives During US Visit
The bombings occurred as Prime Minister Netanyahu met with President Trump in washington. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to securing the release of the remaining hostages taken during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and to “the elimination” of Hamas’s “military and governing capabilities.”
The meeting underscores the continued US support for Israel’s military campaign, despite growing international concerns over the escalating civilian death toll in Gaza.
Mounting Civilian Casualties and Ongoing Conflict
Yesterday alone, Israeli strikes across Gaza resulted in the deaths of 29 people, including those displaced by the 21 months of ongoing conflict.According to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry, at least 57,575 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of Israel’s retaliatory campaign, the vast majority of whom are civilians. The United Nations considers these figures reliable.
The October 7th Hamas attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, primarily civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Of the 251 hostages seized during the attack, 49 remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military confirming that 27 are presumed dead.
Verification Challenges and Continued Reporting
Due to restrictions on media access within Gaza and the difficulties in reaching affected areas, AFP has been unable to independently verify the reported death tolls and details provided by the involved parties. However, the consistent reports from local authorities and witness testimonies paint a grim picture of the escalating humanitarian crisis.
[Image of Palestinian girl looking at damage after an Israeli strike at a camp for displaced people near Khan Yunis in southern Gaza]
A Palestinian girl looks at the aftermath of the Israeli strike near Khan Yunis.
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