Tragedy Strikes Gaza: Over 90 Lives Lost in Israeli Airstrike on Civilian Shelter
An Israeli military official confirmed to the BBC that a recent strike on a five-story residential building in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, was carried out after spotting an individual on the roof with binoculars. The official described the figure as a “spotter” who appeared to be monitoring Israeli movements.
The collapse of the building resulted in over 90 reported casualties, including 25 children, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which is under Hamas administration. Many people remain unaccounted for beneath the rubble. The military official stated that the strike was not pre-planned and that Israeli troops were unaware the building was being used as a refuge for civilians fleeing other areas.
This incident sparked an outcry from the United States, a close ally of Israel, with the U.S. State Department labeling it as a “horrifying incident with horrifying results.” A U.S. official, Matthew Miller, added that Israel needed to provide more clarity, indicating dissatisfaction with the response they’ve received so far from Israeli authorities. According to Miller, the Israeli government has only indicated they are investigating the matter.
Israel has restricted access for international media, including the BBC, making it challenging to verify reports directly from Gaza. Videos that emerged online shortly after the incident showed bodies being wrapped in blankets and families collecting remains amidst the debris. Survivors recounted the devastation, including Umm Malik Abu Nasr, who told the BBC’s Arabic service that her family’s home was destroyed and her husband was still trapped beneath the rubble.
Kamal Adwan Hospital, nearby but severely understaffed due to recent raids, has faced overwhelming demands with limited resources. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya reported over 25 bodies brought in and another 77 trapped under the building’s debris, while survivors arrived in whatever way they could, some on horse-drawn carts.
UN Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland expressed deep concerns, citing this as part of a “series of mass casualty incidents” and noting that conditions have worsened across Gaza, leaving essential services like firefighting, medical care, and water wells struggling or non-operational.
The ongoing ground offensive, targeting areas like Beit Lahia, Jabalia, and Beit Hanoun, has forced more than 70,000 residents to seek refuge in Gaza City. However, over 100,000 people remain in these areas, facing severe shortages of water, food, and medical supplies.
The offensive comes after Hamas carried out a major attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since Israel’s counter-offensive began, Gaza’s health ministry has reported over 43,000 casualties across the territory.
