Middle East conflict: 18 killed in apparent Israeli strike in Gaza mosque

Israel-Hamas war: The hospital records showed that all the deceased were men. Two people have been critically injured.

Updated on: Oct 6, 2024, 11:03:21 IST

By HT News Desk

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An apparent Israeli airstrike killed 18 people in central Gaza on Sunday morning, Palestinian medical authorities said. The strike hit a mosque which was sheltering displaced people near the al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the town of Deir al-Balah, the hospital said in a statement.

Israeli soldiers move on armored personnel carriers (APC) near the Israeli-Gaza border as smoke rises to the sky in the Gaza Strip. (AP file photo)

The hospital records showed that all the deceased were men. Two people have been critically injured.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment about the strike on the mosque.

According to the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Health Ministry, the death toll in Gaza since October 7 2023 has risen to nearly 42,000.

Meanwhile, Hamas said on Saturday that an Israeli strike on a refugee camp in north Lebanon had killed Hamas official Saeed Atallah Ali and his family. Hamas later said another military wing member was killed in an Israeli strike in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley.

Also read: Israel strikes Hezbollah positions; Iran exhorts Tel Aviv's 'adversaries' to resist | 10 points

Israel began its ground operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah last week. 9 of its soldiers have died in the conflict in southern Lebanon.

Nearly 2000 Hezbollah fighters and civilians have died in Israel's strikes on the militant group's positions in south Lebanon.

Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire across the Lebanon border almost daily since the day after Hamas’ cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 others hostage. Israel declared war on the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip in response.

Meanwhile, ahead of the anniversary of the October 7 attack, Israel placed its forces on alert.

Also read: Israel expands bombardment, strikes south Beirut; over 400 Hezbollah fighters killed so far | 10 points

"We are prepared with increased forces in anticipation for this day" when there could be "attacks on the home front", said military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari on Saturday.

Earlier this month, Iran attacked Israel following the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Israel has vowed to avenge the attack.

With inputs from AFP, AP

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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