Israel, Hamas dispute deaths in strike on humanitarian area

The Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday said its operation killed several Hamas terrorists that were operating within the al-Mawasi Humanitarian Area southwest of Khan Younis. At least three of the terrorists killed were Hamas leaders who were directly involved in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, the IDF said. At least 40 people died in the strike and 60 were wounded, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency under the Hamas-run government. The IDF said the number of deaths reported by officials in Gaza did not align with their information and that the strike was precise and accurate. It added that terrorists were continuing to embed among civilians in the humanitarian areas.

What is al-Mawasi? Tens of thousands of displaced people have moved to the coastal community from other parts of Gaza. Israel has designated the 16 square-mile area as a humanitarian zone, expanding it in May to accommodate refugees ordered to evacuate other parts of the Gaza Strip. Israel on Tuesday said that Hamas had infiltrated the area and established a command center. Hamas has denied that its fighters were there. The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the attack Tuesday.

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