Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Kills 90 Palestinians in Humanitarian Zone

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza's designated humanitarian zone killed 90 Palestinians, including women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The attack allegedly targeted Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu remains uncertain of Deif's status, vowing continued military pressure on Hamas leadership.

An Israeli airstrike killed at least 90 Palestinians in a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza on Saturday, according to Gaza's health ministry. The strike, which Israel claims was aimed at Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, also left 300 injured. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated it is still unclear if Deif and another Hamas commander were killed, but he vowed to continue targeting Hamas leadership.

Netanyahu emphasized that more military pressure on the group would improve chances of a hostage deal, despite sources indicating that talks had stalled. The militant Islamist group Hamas denied Deif had been killed, accusing Israel of justifying the attack with false claims. The strike was the deadliest Israeli attack in Gaza in recent weeks.

Displaced individuals in the area described the devastating effects, with tents destroyed and bodies scattered. The Israeli military asserted that the strike also targeted Rafa Salama, commander of Hamas' Khan Younis Brigade, deeming them responsible for orchestrating the Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. The Gaza health ministry recorded 91 deaths and 300 injuries from the strike, marking the highest toll in weeks.