Catastrophic Israeli Attack in Gaza: 71 Dead and Hundreds Injured

An Israeli attack in Gaza's south, specifically in Khan Younis, killed 71 people and injured 289 others. The incident led to Nasser Hospital receiving numerous casualties. Uncertainty surrounds whether the strike hit an Israeli-designated humanitarian zone. From ongoing conflict, over 38,300 people have died since October 7, following Hamas' assault on Israel.

An Israeli attack in southern Gaza resulted in a tragic loss of 71 lives and injuries to 289 others on Saturday, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The strike, centered in the Khan Younis area, led to Nasser Hospital being inundated with casualties.

Associated Press journalists at the hospital counted more than 40 bodies, and witnesses recounted a series of strikes that caused the devastation. It remains uncertain if the attack occurred within Muwasi, an Israeli-designated humanitarian zone stretching from northern Rafah to Khan Younis, where many displaced Palestinians seek refuge in makeshift tents.

Israel escalated its campaign in Gaza after a Hamas offensive on October 7, in which militants killed around 1,200 people and abducted about 250. Since then, over 38,300 people have died and more than 88,000 have been injured due to Israeli ground offensives and bombardments, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ongoing violence has driven more than 80% of Gaza's 2.3 million population from their homes, forcing them into overcrowded and unsanitary tent camps.

(With inputs from agencies.)