Health officials in Gaza say a major Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza has killed at least 71 people and wounded 289 others.
Israeli forces staged the airstrike in Khan Younis on Saturday. Israeli officials say the attack targeted Hamas leaders.
Footage taken by a cameraman at NHK’s Gaza office shows many wounded people, including children, being rushed to hospital.
Israeli forces said they are “still verifying the result” of the attack. They said the airstrike was aimed at two senior Hamas officials, including Mohammed Deif who heads the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas.
A statement from Hamas said the strike was in an area crowded with more than 80,000 displaced people.
It said Israel’s allegations about targeting Hamas leaders are false, and are merely aimed at covering up the scale of what it called a “horrific massacre.”
The latest developments could derail ongoing efforts by Qatari mediators and others seeking an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of hostages.
Hamas says the bombing of Khan Younis clearly confirms that the Israeli government intends to continue its war against the Palestinian people.