The growing tension in Muwasi has taken a grave turn, with an Israeli strike hitting tents meant for displaced Palestinian families.
At a Glance
- An Israeli strike on Tuesday, June 24, hit a tent camp for displaced families in Muwasi, southern Gaza.
- The strike killed at least seven people and wounded many others, according to initial reports from first responders.
- Muwasi is a coastal area unilaterally designated by the Israeli military as a humanitarian “safe zone.”
- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has not yet commented on this specific incident.
Strike on a Designated “Safe Zone”
An Israeli strike hit a camp for displaced Palestinian families in the coastal area of Muwasi in southern Gaza on Tuesday, killing and wounding numerous people. The area had been designated a humanitarian “safe zone” by the Israeli military for civilians fleeing the fighting in nearby Rafah.
According to the Associated Press, the strike destroyed several tents that were providing shelter for families. First responders reported at least seven people were killed. Footage from the scene showed the immediate, chaotic aftermath, with residents frantically searching through the wreckage and digging in the sand to salvage belongings and create makeshift shelters.
A Pattern of Attacks
This is not the first time the Muwasi “safe zone” has been hit. International aid organizations and the UN have previously criticized the designation, stating that the area lacks basic resources and that no zone in Gaza is truly safe. This latest incident adds to a growing number of strikes on or near areas intended to shelter civilians.
While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has not yet issued a statement on the June 24 strike, its typical response to similar incidents has been to state that it is targeting Hamas militants with precision munitions. The IDF also frequently notes that it takes steps to mitigate civilian casualties and will open an investigation into the event.
Calls for Accountability and Ceasefire
The strike has renewed international calls for a ceasefire and for greater accountability to protect civilian lives. The ongoing conflict has displaced the vast majority of Gaza’s population, with hundreds of thousands crowded into tent camps under dire humanitarian conditions.
This latest tragedy underscores the relentless danger faced by non-combatants in the conflict. As the human toll continues to rise, the international community is intensifying its demands for a diplomatic resolution and for adherence to international humanitarian law to prevent further loss of innocent life.
