Israel airstrike focusing on Hamas in Gaza strip mosque kills 26

At the very least 26 individuals had been killed and 93 others wounded when Israeli airstrikes hit a mosque and a faculty sheltering displaced individuals within the Gaza Strip early on Sunday, the Hamas-run Gaza authorities media workplace stated.

Palestinian well being officers stated no less than one other 20 individuals had been killed since Saturday evening in northern Gaza, after the military despatched tanks into areas there for the primary time in months and urged residents to go away.

The Israeli navy stated it had performed “exact strikes on Hamas terrorists” who had been working inside command and management facilities embedded in Ibn Rushd Faculty and the Shuhada al-Aqsa Mosque, within the space of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

Hamas rejects accusations it makes use of civilian amenities akin to faculties, hospitals and mosques for navy functions.

“The mosque has been right here for 20 years, and the neighborhood has displaced individuals,” imam Ahmed Fleet stated as he retrieved Korans from the particles. “I used to be shocked when it was struck.”

The strikes got here because the warfare between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group approaches its first anniversary, and as Israel has been increasing its actions in Lebanon.

Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 individuals and taking about 250 as hostages, in keeping with Israeli tallies.

Israel’s subsequent navy assault on Gaza has killed practically 42,000 Palestinians, in keeping with Gaza’s well being ministry.

It has additionally displaced practically the entire enclave’s 2.3 million individuals, induced a starvation disaster and led to genocide allegations on the World Courtroom that Israel denies.

The Worldwide Committee of the Crimson Cross urged all events to make sure all civilians had been protected.

“It is a yr marked by heartbreak and unanswered questions. Households have been torn aside, with many family members nonetheless held towards their will. Tens of hundreds of individuals have been killed and hundreds of thousands have been displaced throughout the area,” it stated.

The Hamas-run Gaza authorities media workplace stated Israel had struck 27 homes, faculties and displacement shelters throughout Gaza up to now 48 hours.