An Israeli airstrike on central Gaza early Saturday has killed at least 18 people, including a family of 15. Authorities say the strike targetted a house and a warehouse sheltering displaced individuals at the entrance of Zawyda town.
Among those who lost their lives was a meat wholesaler, his wife, his mother, and 11 children aged between two and 22, according to a fatality list provided by Al Aqsa Hospital.
The wholesaler, identified as Sami Jawad al-Agalah, had facilitated the transportation of meat to Gaza in coordination with the Israeli military.
Abu Ahmed, a neighbour who sustained minor injuries in the attack, reported that the house and the warehouse were sheltering over 40 civilians, including numerous women and children.
“Abu Jawad is a well-known wholesaler who brings meat and fish from inside Israel. He is known inside Israel,” he said as people and a bulldozer were searching and removing the rubble.
“He used to sell [meat and fish] to people and to give people food for free. He was a peaceful man,” he added.
The Israeli military asserts that it targeted a region from which rockets were launched at its forces and stated that the event is currently being reviewed.
The airstrike occurred after international mediators concluded what they characterised as productive discussions on a ceasefire in Doha.
US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is scheduled to visit Israel on Sunday and will hold discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.