Palestinian officials reported that an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip killed dozens, while advancing tanks in Gaza City forced residents to flee under fire as Israel on Tuesday stepped up its offensive, warning that Hamas’ actions could jeopardize ceasefire talks.
The airstrike hit the tents of displaced families outside a school in the town of Abassan east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, killing at least 29 people, most of whom were women and children, according to Palestinian medical officials.
The Israeli military stated it was investigating the report.
Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, said Israeli strikes on central Gaza areas killed 60 Palestinians and wounded dozens more on Tuesday.
Residents said Israeli tanks that pushed into the Tel Al-Hawa, Shejaia, and Sabra neighborhoods of Gaza City shelled roads and buildings, forcing them to flee their homes. This was followed by Israeli military orders to evacuate several districts in eastern and western Gaza City, which were posted on social media.
“We hold the occupation and the U.S. administration responsible for the horrifying massacres against civilians,” said Thawabta in a statement.
In Gaza City’s frontline areas, armed wings of Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad engaged in battles with Israeli forces using machine guns, mortar fire, and anti-tank missiles, killing and wounding Israeli soldiers.
Israel has not released a report on casualties but said its soldiers were engaged in fierce combat with militants, having taken more than 150 fighters out of action. Israeli troops also destroyed booby-trapped buildings and explosives.
The conflict has escalated as senior U.S. officials were in the region to push for a truce after reaching ceasefire concessions last week. However, Israel’s renewed military offensive and Hamas’ rocket fire have brought negotiations “back to square one,” according to adviser Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas.
