Deadly Israeli Strike In Gaza Targets Hamas Chief; 71 Civilians Killed, 289 Injured

On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of 71 people and injuries to 289 others, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The strike specifically targeted Khan Younis, with Israeli officials confirming that the operation aimed at high-profile Hamas figures, including Mohammed Deif, the military chief of Hamas.

Mohammed Deif, a long-time figure on Israel’s most-wanted list, is believed to have played a key role in orchestrating the October 7 attack on southern Israel, which led to the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and ignited the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The airstrike also reportedly targeted Rafa Salama, another senior Hamas official, although confirmation on whether either target was killed has not yet been provided.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that many of the victims were taken to Nasser Hospital, where over 40 bodies were observed by Associated Press journalists. The attack involved multiple strikes, causing widespread devastation in the area. There is uncertainty about whether the strikes impacted Muwasi, a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza where many displaced Palestinians have sought refuge in makeshift tents.

The recent escalation follows the October 7 assault by Hamas militants, which prompted a large-scale Israeli military campaign in Gaza. This conflict has resulted in over 38,300 deaths and more than 88,000 injuries in Gaza, with over 80% of its 2.3 million residents displaced and living in dire conditions. The Health Ministry’s figures do not differentiate between combatants and civilians, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis facing the region.