In a devastating attack early Tuesday morning, September 10, at least 40 people were killed and 60 others wounded in southern Gaza. The assault targeted a tent encampment in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis, which was serving as temporary shelter for displaced Palestinians. Gaza’s Civil Defence reported that the attack struck at least 20 tents, leaving behind deep craters up to 30 feet in depth.
A “Heinous Massacre”
Gaza’s Civil Defence described the attack as “one of the most heinous massacres” in the ongoing conflict, with fires raging and Israeli reconnaissance planes seen overhead. The encampment had been designated a “safe zone” by the Israeli army during previous ground invasions in Khan Younis and Rafah.
Israeli Claims vs. Hamas Denials
The Israeli Foreign Ministry claimed that the strike targeted “significant Hamas terrorists” operating from a command and control center within the humanitarian zone. The statement emphasized that various precautions were taken to minimize civilian harm, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance.
In contrast, Hamas dismissed these claims, accusing Israeli authorities of fabricating justifications for what they termed “ugly crimes.” According to Hamas, their fighters were not present in the targeted area and did not use civilian spaces for military purposes.
Civilian Impact
The Gaza civil emergency service revealed that among the wounded were women and children. Emergency teams are continuing to recover both casualties and survivors from the scene. An official lamented, “It looks like a new Israeli massacre.”
The international community is closely monitoring the situation as tensions remain high and humanitarian concerns grow.
