Israel denies attack on UN refuge in Gaza that drew rebuke from Washington
Israel denies responsibility for the attack on a U.N. shelter in Gaza and suggests that Hamas may have launched the shelling.
Israel denies responsibility for the attack
The United Nations has stated that Israeli tanks struck a U.N. compound in Gaza that was providing shelter to displaced Palestinians, causing "mass casualties." However, Israel has denied any involvement in the attack and has suggested that Hamas may have launched the shelling.
The attack took place in Khan Younis, the main city in southern Gaza, at a vocational training center where 30,000 displaced people were staying. The U.N.'s Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian Territory, James McGoldrick, described the situation as "mass casualties." At least nine people were killed and 75 wounded.
Israel's military initially claimed that the Khan Younis area was a base for Hamas fighters and acknowledged that there was fighting taking place near civilians. However, the military later released a statement ruling out that its forces had struck the U.N. center and suggested that the attack may have been a result of Hamas fire.
Washington condemns the attack
The attack on the U.N. shelter in Gaza has drawn rare condemnation from the United States. The U.S. State Department spokesperson, Vedant Patel, stated, "We deplore today's attack on the U.N.'s Khan Younis training center." He emphasized the need to protect civilians and respect the protected nature of U.N. facilities.
Washington has been raising concerns and requesting information from Israel about incidents during the ground offensive in Gaza. While the U.S. has rarely openly criticized specific Israeli actions, this attack has prompted a stronger response.
As night fell after the attack, U.N. staff were still unable to reach the area due to the ongoing fighting, and all communications were shut down. Israeli forces have launched their biggest ground offensive in at least a month, surrounding Khan Younis, where hundreds of thousands of displaced people are staying.
Palestinian civilians suffer in the conflict
The majority of Gaza's population is now confined to Khan Younis and the surrounding towns, as they have fled from the fighting in other areas. According to Palestinian officials, the city's main hospitals have been cut off and besieged by Israeli forces, making it difficult for rescuers to reach the wounded and the dead.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that troops had blockaded their staff inside the Al-Amal hospital in Khan Younis and imposed a curfew in the area. They also stated that three displaced individuals had been killed at their local headquarters.
The violence continues to take a toll on Palestinian civilians, with health officials reporting over 25,700 people killed in Gaza during the war. Residents who have fled to supposed safe areas like Rafah are finding themselves in the midst of airstrikes and devastation.
