The Israeli military launched a targeted airstrike on a densely populated market in Gaza City late Monday, flattening a residential apartment block and killing three civilians, local health officials confirmed Tuesday morning.
The attack struck a six-story building in Al-Remal, the commercial heart of Gaza City, at 8:47 p.m. local time. Emergency services reported 23 injured, including four critically, as rubble trapped victims under debris for hours. Hamas officials condemned the strike as a "heinous war crime," while Israel cited intelligence pointing to militant activity in the area.
Key Points
- ✅ Target was a residential apartment block in Gaza City’s Al-Remal district
- ⚡ Three confirmed dead, 23 injured, four in critical condition
- 💡 Israeli military cited militant activity; Hamas called it a war crime
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as first responders dug through wreckage with their bare hands. "We heard the explosion, then saw the building collapse," said Ahmed Abu Rabee, a shopkeeper who lost his brother in the strike. "People were screaming for help, but the dust was too thick to see anything."
📋 By The Numbers
- 23 — Total injured, including four in critical condition
- 1 — Building destroyed in the strike
- 8:47 p.m. — Time of the airstrike
Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement Tuesday asserting the strike was part of a "precision operation" against a Hamas command center. Security footage reviewed by this newspaper showed a single missile striking the building’s upper floors, where witnesses claim militants had been operating. The IDF acknowledged civilian presence but stated it had "minimized collateral damage."
| Source | Claim | Response |
|---|---|---|
| IDF | Strike targeted Hamas command center | Denies excessive civilian harm |
| Hamas | Called strike a "war crime" | Demands international investigation |
| Gaza Health Ministry | Three dead, 23 injured | Appeals for urgent medical aid |
The strike comes amid a surge in violence across Gaza, with 120 Palestinians and 15 Israelis killed in the past month. UN officials warn of a "full-blown humanitarian crisis" as hospitals overflow and food supplies dwindle. The IDF has not indicated whether additional strikes are planned in the area.
💡 Pro Tip
For real-time updates on Gaza’s humanitarian situation, monitor the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) or the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. Avoid unverified social media claims during active conflict zones.
Local aid groups scrambled Tuesday to transport the injured to hospitals, but power outages and fuel shortages hampered rescue efforts. "We need international support immediately," said Dr. Iman al-Hajj, director of Al-Shifa Hospital. "Our resources are exhausted."
- 📊 The strike occurred in Gaza City’s most crowded commercial district
- 🔍 Human Rights Watch has called for an independent probe into the attack
- ⚠️ Gaza’s health system is on the brink of collapse amid repeated Israeli offensives
The Israeli government has not responded to requests for comment on the strike’s legality under international law. The IDF’s use of precision-guided munitions in densely populated areas continues to draw scrutiny from human rights organizations.