Israeli Air Strikes in Southern Gaza Kill 35 Palestinians and Injure Dozens

Rafah, The Gulf Observer: At least 35 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured in Israeli air strikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, according to Palestinian health and civil emergency service officials. The attacks targeted an area designated for displaced individuals, media reports confirm.

The Israeli military stated that the air force targeted a Hamas compound in Rafah using “precise ammunition and on the basis of precise intelligence.” The operation resulted in the deaths of Hamas’ chief of staff for the West Bank and another senior official responsible for deadly attacks on Israelis. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged reports indicating civilian casualties due to the strike and subsequent fire, noting that the incident is under review.

Ashraf Al-Qidra, the spokesman for the health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza, reported that 35 people, primarily women and children, were killed and dozens more were injured. The strike occurred in the Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood in western Rafah, where thousands had sought refuge after fleeing from eastern areas of the city amidst an ongoing Israeli ground offensive that began over two weeks ago.

The situation remains tense as both sides continue to exchange fire, with significant impacts on civilian populations in the region. Further investigations and responses from international bodies are anticipated in the aftermath of these events.