Israeli Airstrike on Gaza Home Kills 19, Including Nine Children

An overnight Israeli airstrike in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahia claimed the lives of at least 19 people, including nine children, according to medical officials and the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency.

The airstrike targeted a three-story residential building near Kamal Adwan hospital, leaving dozens trapped beneath the rubble.

Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for Palestinian Civil Defence, reported that multiple missiles struck the house, which was home to several families. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities attempt to retrieve survivors and recover bodies from the debris.

The war in Gaza began following Hamas’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages.

In retaliation, Israel launched a military campaign to dismantle Hamas. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 44,800 people have died in Gaza since the conflict began.

On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed an airstrike in the area, targeting a Hamas “terrorist.” This comes amid a broader Israeli ground and air offensive in northern Gaza, initiated in October to prevent Hamas from regrouping.

The United Nations has highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, with severe shortages of basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare in towns such as Beit Lahia. No significant humanitarian aid has reached parts of northern Gaza for over two months.

The airstrikes also resulted in the deaths of two people in Gaza City and journalist Iman al-Shanti, who was killed along with her son in a separate attack.

Al-Shanti was the 193rd journalist killed since the conflict started.

Additionally, a family of four was killed in a strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp, with evacuations ordered in surrounding areas.