Tragedy struck Beit Lahia in northern Gaza overnight Saturday as at least 87 people lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike, according to the health ministry in Gaza. The strike resulted in 27 confirmed deaths, with an additional 60 individuals still trapped under the rubble. Over 40 people sustained injuries, some of which are critical cases.
Reports from Kamal Adwan hospital, where the victims were taken, align with the figures provided by the health ministry. Witnesses described the harrowing scene, with one woman recounting how a concrete block suddenly fell on them while they were conversing, resulting in the loss of many lives.
Amid the devastation, an unidentified man highlighted that four homes housing displaced individuals were destroyed in the attack. He made a plea to the international community to intervene and halt the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence.
Footage and images from the site depict frantic rescue efforts throughout the night, hampered by a lack of machinery and limited visibility. Tragically, many of the casualties, including children, were recovered from the debris. Daylight revealed the extent of the destruction, showing multiple apartment buildings reduced to rubble.
Questions have been raised regarding whether the location of the airstrike fell within an area subject to evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military. In recent weeks, the military has intensified its ground offensive in northern Gaza, prompting concerns about the safety of civilians in the region.
The incident in Beit Lahia serves as a stark reminder of the human toll of the conflict, underscoring the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of life.
