US Calls Israeli Air Strike in Gaza 'Horrifying' as Death Toll Rises
An Israeli air strike on the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahia has left at least 93 people dead or missing, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. The United States condemned the attack as “horrifying” and expressed concern over the mounting civilian toll.
The incident reportedly targeted a five-story residential building, with videos from the scene showing bodies wrapped in blankets on the ground. The Israeli military acknowledged awareness of reports of civilian casualties and stated it is investigating the incident.
For the past two weeks, Israel’s military operations have focused on northern Gaza, specifically the areas of Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun. The ongoing airstrikes and raids aim to dismantle Hamas’s presence and operations within these densely populated regions. Israel claims Hamas embeds itself within civilian areas, an allegation the group denies.
Hussam Abu Safia, head of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in nearby Jabalia, described a worsening crisis, saying the hospital is running out of essential supplies after the Israeli army detained medical staff. “We have nothing but basic first aid materials left,” he said. Last week, Israeli forces raided the hospital, accusing Hamas fighters of using it as a base.
Reacting to the escalating crisis, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the civilian deaths were deeply concerning, calling the situation “horrifying.” He cited reports of children among the casualties and urged an end to the conflict to reduce civilian suffering.
Israeli forces announced they had killed dozens of “terrorists” in Jabalia and central Gaza over the past day, targeting individuals who allegedly attempted to plant explosives. Meanwhile, Gaza’s humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate, with thousands living in dire circumstances. The UN’s Volker Türk condemned the extensive bombing and siege, urging all parties to avoid placing civilians at risk.
In a recent decision, Israel’s parliament approved a ban on the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency, Unrwa, from operating in the country, sparking fears of disrupted aid delivery to Gaza.
Israel’s military response follows a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and led to the capture of 251 hostages. Since then, Gaza’s death toll has surged to over 42,000, though local health figures do not separate civilians from combatants.
Israel has restricted international journalists from entering Gaza, complicating efforts to independently confirm details on the ground.
