Israel Strikes Residential Areas in Northern Gaza Strip Again, Killing 19

'93 Dead' Local Bombing
US and UN Express Concern

Al Jazeera reported on the 30th (local time) that the Israeli military repeatedly bombed residential areas in northern Gaza Strip, killing at least 19 people.

According to the Gaza Civil Defense, several houses in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza Strip were targeted by Israeli airstrikes late the previous night. Earlier that same day, the Israeli military bombed a five-story residential building in the area, killing at least 93 people and injuring dozens. The Gaza Ministry of Health stated that at least 25 of the deceased were children.

The Israeli military said it is "investigating reports of the attack."

The international community expressed concern. Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, said in a briefing, "It was a horrific incident with terrible consequences," and added, "We asked the Israeli government for specific details." The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) also called it one of the deadliest attacks in Gaza in the past three months and urged Israel to conduct a swift and transparent investigation.

Tor Wennesland, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East, condemned the attack in a statement, calling it "a horrific attack causing serious concerns about violations of international humanitarian law, along with the recent large-scale displacement in northern Gaza."