The United Nations said on Wednesday that a U.N. compound in Gaza, providing shelter to displaced Palestinians, was struck by Israeli tanks, resulting in what they termed “mass casualties.” Israel, however, denied responsibility, suggesting that Hamas might have initiated the shelling.
The attack targeted a vocational training center in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, housing around 30,000 displaced individuals. James McGoldrick, the U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian Territory, expressed deep concern about the incident, describing widespread casualties, burning buildings, and difficulties for people attempting to flee.
According to Thomas White, director of Gaza affairs for UNRWA, the U.N. agency, two tank rounds hit a building within the center where approximately 800 displaced individuals were seeking refuge. At least nine people were reported dead, and 75 others were wounded. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the agency, emphasized that the compound was a clearly marked U.N. facility, with its coordinates shared with Israeli authorities, making it a blatant violation of basic rules of war.
The United States condemned the attack, with U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel stating that they deplore the assault on the U.N.’s Khan Younis training center. Patel emphasized the need to protect civilians and respect the safeguarded nature of U.N. facilities, allowing humanitarian workers to continue providing essential assistance.
Israel’s military initially labeled the wider Khan Younis area as a base for Hamas fighters, acknowledging ongoing fighting near civilian populations. However, after Washington’s criticism, the military denied responsibility, citing an examination of operational systems. They indicated that a thorough review was underway to explore the possibility of the strike being a result of Hamas fire.
As night fell, U.N. staff remained unable to reach the affected area, with all communications shut down. Israel’s ongoing ground offensive, focusing on Khan Younis, where a large number of displaced people sought refuge, has raised concerns about the safety of civilians. Palestinian officials reported a blockade on main hospitals, making it challenging for rescuers to reach the wounded and the dead.
The Israeli military stated that the operation aimed to dismantle Hamas’ military framework in western Khan Younis, highlighting the challenges posed by the dense civilian-populated area. The military asserted the presence of Hamas command centers and outposts, justifying specific methods of action.
Palestinian health officials reported a significant death toll in Gaza, with thousands killed in the war. The conflict began when Israel launched an assault to eliminate Hamas after fighters stormed Israeli towns, resulting in casualties and hostages.
In Rafah, south of Khan Younis, an airstrike hit a mosque, leaving residents gathering pages of holy books from the debris. The toll on civilians, including the elderly and helpless, raised questions about the safety of those seeking refuge.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported troop blockades around Al-Amal hospital in Khan Younis, with a curfew imposed in the area. Allegations were made that Hamas fighters operated around hospitals, a claim denied by hospital staff and Hamas.
(Inputs from Reuters)