Women, children 'incinerated' in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza's al-Mawasi 'safe zone' ; 20 killed, dozens wounded

Israeli airstrikes have targeted tents sheltering displaced Palestinians and food storage sites in al-Mawasi, killing at least 20 individuals, including women and children, who had sought refuge in the temporary shelters marked as a humanitarian zone.

At least two missiles were launched at the makeshift shelters for 14 displaced families in the al-Mawasi area west of Khan Yunis shortly after the sunset prayer on Wednesday, igniting a fire.

Rescue operations continued throughout the day, as firefighters struggled to contain the flames that engulfed the camp, constructed from tin sheets, tarpaulin, and plastic poles.

The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that the attack also targeted food storage facilities, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the already overcrowded region.

Witnesses described scenes of devastation, with victims burned beyond recognition and some torn apart by the blast. According to reports, women and children were “incinerated” in the attack.

Local authorities and medical sources condemned the attack as a grave violation of civilian safety, particularly given that the area is known to house only displaced civilians.

Gaza’s Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal criticized the strike, stating, "The occupation knows very well that there are only civilians in the Mawasi area."

The al-Mawasi camp has come under repeated attacks by Israel since May.

Designated as a "humanitarian safe zone" by Israel in October 2023 amid international calls for protection, the makeshift tent camp has now become one of the most densely populated areas in Gaza, housing over two million individuals who have been displaced at least once.

Israeli drone kills 5 Palestinians, including 4 children, waiting for food in central Gaza

Israel has killed five Palestinians, including four children, in a drone strike on a food distribution center and a house in central Gaza.

As violence escalates across Gaza, reports indicate that at least 70 people have been killed since early Wednesday alone, including 10 in Gaza City from a separate operation. Many victims remained trapped under the rubble with rescue operations underway.

In a tragic series of airstrikes in central Gaza, medics reported that 11 Palestinians were killed, including six children and a medic. Among the deceased, five were reportedly waiting in line outside a bakery when the strikes occurred.

Moreover, nine Palestinians were killed by tank shelling in Rafah, close to the Egypt border, according to medical sources.

Over 60,000 Palestinians in northern Gaza 'on verge of death' as Israeli siege rages on

The Palestinian Civil Defense in Gaza says at least 60,000 Palestinians living in northern Gaza Strip are at risk of death.

In northern Gaza, conditions remain dire, with reports of forced evacuations and violent assaults on the last remaining shelters. Residents in Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun have reported that Israeli forces have demolished dozens of homes.

Gaza’s Civil Defense has described Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip as "uninhabitable," warning that 60,000 Palestinians are at risk of death.

On a night marked by intense violence, Beit Lahia witnessed brutal assaults as Israeli forces detonated mines and explosive barrels within residential areas, aiming to forcibly displace the remaining families.

The ongoing violence has left hospitals like Kamal Adwan in precarious positions, with essential medical supplies and oxygen cut off due to attacks. Drones are reportedly dropping bombs filled with shrapnel, posing a threat to anyone in motion, while Israeli forces appear to be specifically targeting medical personnel.

Israel’s genocide in Gaza has killed at least 44,532 Palestinians and wounded 105,538 since October 7, 2023.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk