On July 13, 2024, Israel launched a massive strike on the Al-Mawasi area near Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, resulting in at least 90 Palestinian deaths and over 300 injuries, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The Israeli military claimed to target Hamas military leaders Mohammed Deif and Rafa Salama, both of whom have reportedly survived multiple assassination attempts in the past. However, Hamas vehemently denied these claims, calling them a ‘cover-up’ for a ‘horrific massacre’.The attack hit an area designated as a ‘safe zone’ by Israel, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians had sought refuge. This has raised significant international concern and condemnation, with many calling it a potential war crime. The aftermath of the strike revealed a huge crater, charred tents, and burnt-out cars, with victims being carried away on various modes of transport, including donkey carts.In a notable development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged uncertainty about whether the Hamas leaders were actually killed in the strike. Netanyahu stated, ‘I’m not absolutely certain’ about Deif’s death, but vowed to ‘get to the whole of the leadership of Hamas’. This admission has sparked further controversy about the justification and effectiveness of the attack.The ongoing conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has now resulted in over 38,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) warning that there is no safe place left in Gaza.The attack has threatened to derail ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, which have been ongoing for several months with mediation from the US, Egypt, and Qatar. The international community, including neighboring Egypt, has strongly condemned the attack and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Key points
- Israeli strike on Gaza ‘safe zone’ kills at least 90 Palestinians and injures over 300.
- Israel claims to have targeted Hamas military leaders Mohammed Deif and Rafa Salama, but Hamas denies this.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admits uncertainty about whether the Hamas leaders were killed in the strike.
- The attack threatens to derail ongoing ceasefire talks and has been widely condemned by the international community.
Contradictions👾Israel claims the attack targeted Hamas leaders and that most victims were likely terrorists, while Palestinian sources and Hamas state that mainly civilians were killed.
👾Israel designated Al-Mawasi as a ‘safe zone’, yet conducted a major military strike in this area.
