In northern Gaza, a strike on the Jabalya refugee camp, which aimed at a Hamas leader, resulted in significant destruction and numerous casualties, based on reports from local medics and witnesses.
Mohammad Ibrahim, a local resident, recounted his experience to CNN: "I was queuing to purchase bread when suddenly, around seven to eight missiles struck the area. The aftermath was devastating with huge craters filled with casualties and remnants scattered."
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) communicated to CNN that the target was a Hamas leader, alleging that such leaders often seek refuge amongst civilians. He acknowledged civilian casualties as an unfortunate consequence of war.
An official IDF statement identified the deceased Hamas leader as Ibrahim Biari, implicating him in a prior attack on Israel that had resulted in over 1400 deaths and multiple hostages. The IDF added that multiple Hamas militants were affected by the airstrike and highlighted the occupation of civilian structures by the Central Jabalya Battalion.
Countering these claims, Hazem Qassem, representing Hamas, labeled Israel's actions as a grievous act against innocent civilians, including women and children, in the Jabalya camp.
In response to the recent events, the Israeli human rights group B'tselem released a statement condemning the ongoing aerial offensives on Gaza by Israel. The statement emphasized the heavy civilian toll, pointing out that over 8000 individuals had lost their lives, with more than half being women and children. The statement further highlighted the devastation, with entire buildings being razed and families perishing. The organization reiterated the rules of warfare, emphasizing that civilians should never be targeted and urged Israel to halt such offensives.
Footage from the nearby Indonesian hospital depicted numerous casualties, with a significant number being children. Medical professionals scrambled to provide care amidst the overwhelming influx of patients, many of whom were treated on the floor due to space constraints. The head of the hospital, Dr. Atef al-Kalhout, approximated that the explosion had taken a massive toll on lives. Dr. Mohammad al Rann, another medical professional, described the grim scene with countless individuals suffering from severe injuries, including explosive-related traumas and amputations.
