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Deadly airstrikes hit Gaza City residential areas
At least 11 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed and dozens injured in Israeli airstrikes targeting Gaza City early Thursday, medical sources and eyewitnesses reported.
Targets and casualties
Israeli aircraft struck four residential buildings in Sheikh Radwan, Tel al-Hawa neighborhoods, and the Shati refugee camp. The attacks triggered massive explosions and widespread panic among residents.
Among the dead was Hassan Labad, a Hamas commander in northern Gaza, along with his wife and three of their children. The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency confirmed that two children with disabilities from the Labad family and three women were also killed.
Witness accounts and aftermath
Eyewitnesses told the BBC that three Israeli helicopters briefly hovered over Gaza City's coastline before launching simultaneous strikes on the buildings. Social media videos showed people attempting to flee a burning building in Shati camp following the attacks.
The Israeli military had not issued a statement regarding the strikes at the time of reporting.
Broader context of the conflict
Israel has continued airstrikes in Gaza despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, accusing Hamas of rearming and rebuilding its military capabilities. Since the ceasefire took effect last October, over 940 people have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened, with reports suggesting Israel plans to expand the area under its control to 70%. Meanwhile, global attention has shifted to other conflicts in the Middle East.
Origins of the war
The ongoing conflict was sparked by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages. Israel responded with a military campaign in Gaza, leading to over 72,950 deaths, according to Gaza's health ministry.
