Image Credits - Anadolu Agency
Palestinian health officials said this morning that at least 25 people were confirmed dead, and that number was expected to rise as rescue operations continued. The dead include several women and children, adding to the growing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Dozens of people were also injured in the airstrike, many of them in critical condition. Local hospitals, already burdened by the ongoing conflict and limited medical supplies, struggle to provide adequate care to the influx of victims.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the airstrike was in response to recent rocket fire from Gaza into southern Israel, which caused property damage but no casualties. IDF representatives emphasized that Hamas used the targeted location to store weapons and free Israeli civilians.
In contrast, the Palestinian Authority and residents of Az-Zawayda claim that the area affected by the airstrike was a densely populated civilian area. Witnesses described scenes of destruction where several homes were destroyed and families were trapped under the rubble.
International reactions were swift, and the UN called for an immediate ceasefire and called on both sides to defuse the situation. The UN Secretary-General expressed deep concern about the increasing number of civilian casualties and reiterated that a lasting political solution to the conflict must be found.
Human rights organizations condemned the attack as disproportionate force and called for an independent investigation into possible violations of international law. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both issued statements calling for accountability and protection of civilians.
As tensions rise, the international community is watching closely, hoping that diplomatic action can prevent more bloodshed. The situation remains unchanged and Gazans anticipate an increase in violence in the coming days.