71 killed, hundreds wounded in Israeli Airstrike on al-Mawasi Refugee Camp in Gaza

New Delhi, July 13, 2024: At least 71 people have been killed and 289 wounded in an Israeli air attack on the al-Mawasi refugee camp, west of Khan Younis, according to the Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip.

 As reported by the international media, the health ministry in Gaza stated that the strike hit a designated humanitarian area, contradicting Israel’s claim that the attack targeted senior Hamas leaders. The ministry confirmed the death toll of 71 Palestinians and reported over 289 injuries.

Media reported that the strike occurred in the al-Mawasi area near Khan Younis, which the Israeli military had previously designated as a humanitarian zone, urging Palestinians to seek shelter there.

An Israeli official, however, asserted that the strike targeted Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas's military wing, in an "open area" where there were "only Hamas terrorists and no civilians." The official also mentioned that Rafa Salama, the Hamas commander for Khan Younis, was targeted in the strike, describing the intelligence as "accurate."

Hamas disputed these claims, stating that the allegation of targeting their leaders was "false." as cited by Reuters.

According to his office, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to hold security talks throughout the day.

Media talking to some eyewitnesses described the attack as a “grave escalation,” accusing Israel of not being interested in reaching a ceasefire agreement.

Footage from the nearby Kuwait field hospital showed chaotic scenes with patients being treated on the floor. Doctors at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis reported that the hospital is "overwhelmed" and unable to function, according to Reuters.

Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas' military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, remains a top target for Israel’s military. Deif in the past has escaped capture and survived several assassination attempts. He is believed to be one of the masterminds behind the October 7 Hamas attack, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and foreigners, mostly civilians, and led to the taking of 251 hostages in Gaza. This incident has led to a major Israeli military operation in Gaza, which has reportedly killed more than 38,000 Palestinians.