Israeli strikes kill 72 Palestinians in Gaza, attack humanitarian zone

In the last 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes have killed 72 Palestinians and injured hundreds more across Gaza, according to local health authorities.

The deadliest strike occurred near Khan Younis, where 40 people were killed and 60 wounded after Israel hit a tented encampment designated as a “safe zone.”

It was home to many displaced Palestinians, further heightening concerns over civilian casualties.

Survivors described the area being engulfed in flames following the attack, which left massive craters in the ground.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reports 19 bodies were recovered from the al-Mawasi area, which also is in Khan Younis.

Israel’s military claims it was targeting a Hamas command center, but Palestinian sources reject this, calling it a “clear lie.”

International bodies, including the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, said the U.S.-made MK-84 bombs were used in the strike. 

The weapon previously was supplied to Israel by the U.S. in large quantities.

In addition to these casualties, 32 others were killed in separate strikes across Gaza.

Last month, 100 people were killed when Israel struck a school where thousands of displaced people had sought refuge.

Israel has killed at least 41,020 Palestinians and injured 94,925 so far in its war on Gaza.

However, the British medical journal The Lancet in July estimated the death toll could be as high as 186,000.

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice for its ongoing war on Gaza.