Israeli airstrikes killed at least 50 Palestinians and a Hamas commander in a densely packed Gaza refugee camp.
The strike happened at a time when medics battled to treat the injured in the enclave where food, fuel, and basic supplies were running low.
Following weeks of air bombardment in retribution for a Palestinian Hamas militant onslaught on southern Israeli communities on Oct. 7 and the kidnapping of more than 200 hostages, Israeli tanks have been operating in Gaza for at least four days.
According to an Israel Defence Forces (IDF) statement, a fighter jet strike on Jabalia, Gaza's largest refugee camp, killed Ibrahim Biari, a Hamas commander who was "pivotal" in the planning and execution of the attack.
Dozens of Hamas fighters were in the same underground tunnel complex as Biari. They were killed when it collapsed in the attack, according to IDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, who added, "I understand that is also why there are many reports of collateral damage and non-combatant casualties." We're also looking at those."
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem denied the presence of any senior commanders in the camp, calling the assertion an Israeli pretext for killing civilians. According to Palestinian health sources, at least 50 Palestinians were killed, and 150 were injured.
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According to a Hamas statement, 400 people were killed or injured in Jabalia, which houses families of refugees from Israel's battles dating back to 1948. Reuters could not independently verify the alleged casualty counts.
The explosion caused immense craters surrounding demolished houses. While Israel has frequently urged Gaza ns to evacuate northern areas, many have remained.
Following the Hamas attack, Israel encircled Gaza, and the United Nations and other relief officials reported inhabitants in the enclave were living in a public health disaster, with hospitals scrambling to treat casualties as energy supplies ran out.
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