Israeli Airstrike Kills Dozens in Gaza, Residents Flee Under Fire

The Israeli military intensified its offensive in Gaza on Tuesday, July 9th, with an airstrike that killed dozens of Palestinian civilians, including women and children. The airstrike hit a tent encampment for displaced families outside a school in the town of Abassan, east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

Palestinian medical officials reported at least 29 fatalities, while the Israeli military stated it was reviewing reports of civilian casualties. The military claimed the airstrike targeted a Hamas fighter involved in a raid on Israel on October 7th, which sparked the current Israeli assault on Gaza.

Meanwhile, residents in Gaza City reported fleeing their homes as Israeli tanks advanced into the Tel Al Hawa, Shejaia, and Sabra neighborhoods. The tanks shelled roads and buildings, prompting residents to evacuate. Social media posts revealed Israeli military orders to evacuate several districts in eastern and western Gaza City, including the affected neighborhoods.

Hamas officials condemned the airstrike and subsequent shelling, holding the Israeli government and the United States administration responsible for the "horrifying massacres against civilians.