By Francis Ugwu
At least 71 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in an Israeli strike on a displacement camp in southern Gaza.
But Israel said it targeted Hamas’ military chief, who was an alleged mastermind of the October 7 attacks.
Footage from Al-Mawasi shows bodies in the street and destroyed tents. “I cannot describe to you the magnitude of the tragedy,” one resident told CNN.
An Israeli security official told CNN that Mohammed Deif – the leader of Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing – was the figure targeted.
According to the report, the Israeli military said it was in the process of verifying whether Deif was killed in the strike.
It claimed Deif was targeted alongside the head of the Khan Younis brigade, Rafe Salama.
The strike left scenes of devastation in the area, where the Gaza Health Ministry reported at least 71 people killed and nearly 300 people injured.
Locals and rescue teams were seen trying to unearth several people trapped.
