An Israeli airstrike targeting multiple houses and a multi-storey residential building in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, caused dozens of casualties, according to doctors and officials.
The Hamas media office reported that at least 73 people were killed in the Saturday strike. Although official figures from the health ministry were not immediately available, Medway Abbas, a senior ministry official, confirmed the accuracy of the figures.
The Israeli military responded that they were investigating the incident but claimed the death toll provided by Hamas was exaggerated. They stated that their data, the munitions used, and the accuracy of the strike, which targeted a Hamas position, did not align with the reported figures.
Palestinian health officials said rescue efforts were hindered by a second consecutive day without telecommunication and internet services.
In a related development, Israeli forces intensified their siege of Jabalia, Gaza’s largest refugee camp, and encircled nearby towns Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya. Evacuation orders were issued, though Israeli officials stated this was to separate civilians from Hamas fighters, denying any systematic plan to clear civilians from northern Gaza.
In a separate event, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s house in Caesarea was struck by a drone on Saturday, causing superficial damage but no injuries. Israeli officials said three drones were launched, two of which were intercepted. Netanyahu blamed Hezbollah for the assassination attempt and warned of retaliation.
In Jabalia, residents and medical personnel reported Israeli forces besieging shelters housing displaced families and bombing homes, while hospitals faced severe shortages in medical supplies and manpower. Health officials refused to evacuate hospitals despite orders from the Israeli military, as many patients were in critical condition.
The UN’s acting humanitarian chief, Joyce Msuya, called the situation in northern Gaza “unspeakable horrors” and urged an end to the atrocities. She highlighted that first responders were blocked from reaching people trapped under rubble.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces dropped leaflets over southern Gaza, declaring that “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza.” U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated her call for a ceasefire and highlighted the opportunity to bring an end to the conflict following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who had planned the 7 October attack that killed around 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 253 hostages.
The ongoing conflict has devastated Gaza, with Gaza health authorities estimating over 42,500 Palestinian deaths, with many more still uncounted beneath the rubble.