Israeli strikes kill 40 Palestinians in Khan Younis humanitarian zone

Hamas says Israel 'deliberately' killed dozens of refuge-seeking civilians under false pretext of targeting the group

In the latest escalation of Israel's onslught on Gaza, an IDF airstrike on a tent camp in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, has resulted in at least 40 deaths and 60 injuries, according to Gaza's civil defence agency.

The strike targeted a humanitarian zone designated for displaced Palestinians.

The camp, which had become a refuge for tens of thousands of people, suffered significant damage, including three deep craters and the destruction of more than 20 tents.

The Israeli military stated that the airstrike aimed at a Hamas command center within the camp, alleging that Hamas operatives were using the humanitarian area for military purposes.

However, Hamas has strongly denied these claims, labeling them as "blatant lies."

The group contends that the airstrike was a deliberate attack on civilians.

Gaza's civil defence officials reported that rescue operations were hampered by a lack of equipment and the extensive damage caused by the strike.

The official said efforts were ongoing to recover 15 missing persons from the rubble.

The camp had been previously designated as a safe zone by Israeli authorities, but the area has been a site of sporadic military activity throughout the conflict.

This incident highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where infrastructure and services have been severely impacted by ongoing hostilities.

Since Islrael began its brutal offensive, more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed, and the region has faced severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

The UN reports that the vast majority of Gaza's 2.4 million residents have been displaced at least once during the conflict.

The international community, including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, has been engaged in efforts to mediate a ceasefire and negotiate a deal between Israel and Hamas.

However, talks remain stalled, with significant obstacles remaining, including Hamas's demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and Israel's insistence on maintaining a military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border.

South Africa has also launched a case against Irsael at the ICJ,  accusing it of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention during its war on Gaza.