Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Kills 93, Including 20 Children
An Israeli airstrike on a residential building in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, resulted in 93 Palestinian deaths, including 20 children. The Gaza health ministry reported numerous injuries, with emergency responders struggling to assist due to ongoing dangers.
Tragedy in Beit Lahiya
The Hamas-run health ministry stated that victims remain trapped under rubble and on the streets. Emergency responders face challenges reaching them safely. Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the government media office, confirmed the death toll on Tuesday. The Israeli military frequently disputes Hamas-released casualty figures, claiming they are inflated.
Video footage showed bodies wrapped in blankets outside a destroyed four-story building, with rescuers pulling victims from the rubble. Witness Ismail Ouaida described the scene as “tens of martyrs… the house was bombed without prior warning. Body parts are hanging on the walls.”
Humanitarian Crisis and Escalating Conflict
The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service reported that around 100,000 people in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun lack access to medical and food supplies. Nearby Kamal Adwan Hospital evacuated staff, leaving wounded victims without care. Critical cases risk death without intervention, according to health officials.
Gaza’s emergency services have halted operations amid Israel’s northern Gaza offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas. The conflict escalated after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 Israelis and capturing over 250 hostages. The Gaza health ministry states Israel’s retaliatory actions have killed over 43,000 people. Regional tensions have heightened, with Israeli forces conducting operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
UNRWA Ban Raises International Concerns
The airstrike followed Israel’s parliamentary approval of a law banning the U.N. relief agency UNRWA from operating in the country. Israeli officials cited alleged UNRWA staff involvement in the October 7 attack as justification. UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini condemned the decision, calling it “collective punishment.”
This decision raises concerns among Israel’s Western allies about worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The U.N. reports that most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced since the conflict began over a year ago.