Israeli Strike on Gaza Building Kills 34, Including Women and Children, Health Ministry Reports

An Israeli airstrike early Tuesday hit a five-story building in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, killing at least 34 displaced Palestinians, including many women and children, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported. Another 20 people were injured, with casualties including two mothers and their children. The Kamal Adwan Hospital, overwhelmed by the wave of wounded, had recently seen Israeli forces detain medical personnel in a raid.

The Israeli military, currently targeting Hamas strongholds in northern Gaza, has yet to comment on this incident. The operation has focused on Gaza’s Jabaliya refugee camp, resulting in hundreds of casualties and mass displacement. Recently, Israel restricted aid to northern Gaza, prompting a caution from the U.S. on potential aid reductions if humanitarian support remains limited.

Amid the violence, Israel’s parliament passed laws hindering the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, accusing it of Hamas ties. The conflict began with an Oct. 7 Hamas-led incursion into Israel, killing 1,200 people and leading to retaliatory strikes that have left over 43,000 Palestinians dead. About 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, with many forced to move multiple times.