Ismail al-Thawabta, director general of the Hamas government media office, claimed that Israeli forces directed Palestinians to specific areas and then opened fire on them.

More than 70 Palestinians have lost their lives in a tragic incident in Gaza City, with Hamas accusing Israeli authorities of carrying out a 'planned genocide'. Ismail al-Thawabta, director general of the Hamas government media office, claimed that Israeli forces directed Palestinians to specific areas and then opened fire on them. He further disclosed that rescue forces have recovered 70 bodies from the Tal al-Hawa area and at least 50 people are missing. The international community is closely monitoring the developments and insisting on a peaceful solution to prevent further escalation in the region.

“Some of the displaced people were pointing at the Israeli army with white flags saying, 'We are not fighters; We are displaced.' But the Israeli occupation army killed these displaced people in cold blood,” Al-Thawabta said. “The Israeli army planned to carry out that massacre at Tal al-Hawa.” He called on the international community to pressure Israel to end its “war of extermination” against the Palestinians.

United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric condemned the recovery of bodies in Gaza City, calling it “another tragic example of the civilian toll” in the ongoing conflict. The incident adds to a series of devastating incidents that have caused significant casualties and displacement in Gaza.

According to reports, the death toll in the incident has crossed 70, while many others have been injured. The UN has reiterated its call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages taken during the conflict. “While this conflict continues, it is not only impossible to give people the medical assistance they need, the food they need, the shelter they need, but also the dignified burial they need,” Dujarric said.

Gaza media office detail destroys infrastructure

In its latest data release, the office also gave an update on the widespread destruction on the enclave. To date, at least 80,000 homes have been destroyed, the office said. At least 34 hospitals have been put out of service by the Israeli strikes, targeting a total of 161 health facilities.

At least 609 mosques and three churches have been destroyed, according to officials. At least 115 schools and universities were also destroyed.