Saturday’s attack was among the deadliest of the war. The Gaza Health Ministry reported 90 deaths and at least 300 injuries. Associated Press journalists counted over 40 bodies at Nasser Hospital, which was overwhelmed. Witnesses described multiple strikes in the assault.
The Israeli military claimed that "additional terrorists were hiding among civilians" and stated the target was a Hamas-operated compound in Khan Younis, surrounded by trees and buildings. An Israeli official described the strike as precise, targeting a fenced area that belonged to Salama, not a tent complex as initially reported.
Witnesses said the strike hit Muwasi, a designated safe zone by Israel stretching from northern Rafah to Khan Younis. Palestinians, displaced from their homes, sought shelter mostly in tents with limited services and supplies. Over 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been displaced.
Aftermath footage showed a large crater, charred tents, and burnt-out cars. Victims were transported on vehicles, donkey carts, and carpets.
At hospitals, scenes of devastation included a crying baby covered in sand receiving aid, and a small boy motionless, missing a shoe. Many wounded were treated on the floor due to the overwhelming number of casualties.
Louise Wateridge, a spokesperson for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, described "the overwhelming stench of blood" at the hospital, where staff reported shortages of cleaning supplies.
Neighboring Egypt, involved in cease-fire talks, condemned the strike, calling it a violation against Palestinian citizens that complicates efforts to achieve calm. The international community was criticized for its perceived inaction.
Efforts by Egyptian, Qatari, and U.S. mediators aimed to narrow gaps between Israel and Hamas on a proposed three-phase cease-fire and hostage release plan in Gaza. The U.S.-backed proposal included initial cease-fire terms, limited hostage release, and withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas, with subsequent negotiations for a permanent cease-fire and Israeli withdrawal.
Israel's campaign in Gaza followed an October 7 attack by Hamas, which saw Israeli ground operations and bombings causing significant casualties, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians in its casualty counts.
