Israel admits to bombing a refugee camp. Dozens of people died
Israel has admitted that it intentionally bombed a refugee camp in the city of Jabalia within the Gaza Strip, with the knowledge that civilians were dwelling there. The target was a Hamas leader, but apart from him, it's suspected that dozens of innocent people also could have been killed.
8:56 AM EDT, November 1, 2023
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement stating that one of the Hamas leaders, Ebrahim Biari, was killed in Jabalia, located in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. Israeli military representatives reveal that, in addition to him, approximately 50 other militants were taken out in the city, and Israeli units have since assumed control over a reputed "Hamas stronghold".
According to the BBC, the Hamas Ministry of Health in Gaza reports 50 people killed and 150 injured. A nearby hospital, however, suggests a much higher death toll—up to 120 people.
"I was waiting in line to buy bread when suddenly and without any prior warning seven to eight missiles fell," recounted an eyewitness, Mohammad Ibrahim, on CNN. "There were seven to eight huge holes in the ground, full of killed people, body parts all over the place," he shared.
The airstrike triggered a gigantic explosion on the camp, leading to the demolition of several residential buildings. The BBC reported a man from the scene shouting, "We're filling bags with children."
IDF calls it 'the tragedy of war'
The IDF spokesperson responded to queries about the Jabalia camp attack on CNN.
"But you know that there are a lot of refugees, a lot of innocent civilians, men, women, and children in that refugee camp as well," CNN correspondent Wolf Blitzer pointed out.
"This is the tragedy of war, Wolf," IDF spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht acknowledged.
Hecht also requested civilians to relocate to the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
