Israeli strikes on southern Gaza kill 51, says Hamas-run health ministry

In the city of Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza, a tragic event unfolded as Israeli air strikes and ground operations took place, resulting in the deaths of at least 51 individuals, according to the health ministry controlled by Hamas. On Wednesday, mourners gathered to pay their respects during funerals for the victims, highlighting the deep sorrow felt by the community. The air strikes occurred early in the morning, and residents reported hearing intense gunfire and heavy shelling. One injured man who reached the hospital recounted the terrifying moment when tanks unexpectedly entered his village, causing panic and chaos. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their operations targeted Hamas positions, which they claimed were located within schools that were sheltering displaced individuals. This revelation raised serious concerns, as schools are meant to be safe havens for children and families. Reports from Palestinian news agencies indicated that at least nine civilians lost their lives at Muscat school, situated in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City, while six others were killed at the Al-Amal Institute for Orphans in the Rimal neighborhood. The situation is dire, with many innocent lives being affected by the ongoing conflict. The Israeli strikes in Gaza came shortly after the country defended itself against missile attacks from Iran and initiated a ground invasion into Lebanon. The IDF described their actions in Lebanon as a limited operation aimed at Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group, following a year of cross-border tensions. Although the IDF has not yet commented on the recent strikes in southern Gaza, a man from Qizan al-Najjar village shared his heartbreaking experience, revealing that some of his relatives were among the casualties. He described how tanks stormed into the area, accompanied by drones that targeted them directly. Another man at the hospital recounted the terrifying moment when shells began to rain down on them, leaving destruction in their wake. He expressed his fear for his family, as his daughter was injured and his wife suffered a head injury that could potentially lead to vision loss. The ongoing violence has left many families devastated, with homes destroyed and lives shattered. The health ministry in Gaza issued a warning that the death toll could rise, as many individuals were injured during the strikes. The IDF has been conducting multiple ground operations in Khan Younis, which is the second-largest urban area in Gaza, since December. This conflict began when Hamas gunmen launched an attack on Israel on October 7 of the previous year, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign in Gaza that has led to a staggering total of 41,689 fatalities, according to the health ministry. The situation remains critical, with both sides suffering immense losses and the humanitarian crisis deepening as the conflict continues.