At least 19 people were killed early Sunday when an Israeli airstrike hit a mosque in the Gaza Strip.
The mosque, located near the main hospital in Deir al-Balah, was reportedly sheltering displaced individuals at the time of the attack.
According to the Associated Press, the bodies of the victims, all men, were transferred to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital morgue.
Hospital records also confirmed the casualties.
Israel stated that the strike targeted a Hamas command center believed to be embedded among civilians.
As the conflict spreads, Israel has also ramped up military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
“We are in a new phase of the war,” said Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee, urging evacuations in northern Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes hit Hezbollah positions in Beirut overnight.
In response, Hezbollah launched a rocket salvo targeting Israeli forces.
Iran’s foreign minister commented, “We are trying to reach a cease-fire in Gaza and in Lebanon.”
The conflict continues to claim lives, with Palestinian health officials reporting a death toll of 42,000.
Amid mounting tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated, “Israel has the duty and the right to defend itself.”
