An Israeli airstrike on a residential building in northern Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, including women and children. The attack, which occurred early this morning, is part of an ongoing military operation that has escalated tensions between Israel and Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip.
According to local health officials, the victims were killed when an Israeli fighter jet targeted the building in the densely populated area of Beit Lahia, a city in northern Gaza. The strike caused widespread destruction and left several others wounded, with reports indicating that some remain in critical condition.
"The situation is dire. We are still recovering bodies from the rubble, and the death toll may rise," said Dr. Ahmed al-Madhoun, a spokesperson for the Gaza Health Ministry. "This airstrike is yet another tragedy in a long line of violence affecting civilians caught in the crossfire of this ongoing conflict."
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the airstrike, stating that the target was a weapons storage facility used by militant groups operating in the region. The IDF maintains that such operations are essential for the protection of Israeli civilians from rocket fire launched from Gaza. However, human rights organizations have raised concerns over the disproportionate impact on innocent lives, particularly in densely populated areas.
This attack comes amid rising tensions in Gaza, with both sides trading fire over recent weeks. The United Nations and various international organizations have called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence, emphasizing the need for peaceful dialogue to address the underlying issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.