Mosque Strike Kills 19 as Israel Bombs Gaza and Beirut
BEIRUT/GAZA CITY – A devastating strike on a mosque in Gaza Cityearly this morning killed at least 19 people, including women and children, according to Palestinian health officials. The attack came as Israel launched a series of airstrikesacross northern Gaza and southern Beirut, escalating tensions in the region.
The mosque, located in the densely populated neighborhood of al-Rimal, was struck shortly afterdawn prayers, sending shockwaves through the community. Witnesses described a scene of chaos and carnage, with rescuers struggling to reach the injured amid the rubble.
It was a horrific scene, said a local resident who declined to be named. The mosque was full of people praying. The explosion was so powerful, it shook the entire neighborhood.
The Israeli military has yet to comment on the mosque strike, but has confirmed its involvement in the broader airstrikes. In a statement,the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes targeted terrorist infrastructure in Gaza and Lebanon.
The strikes in Lebanon targeted Hezbollah positions in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a stronghold of the powerful Shia militia. The IDF claims Hezbollah has been involved in recent rocket attacks originating from Lebanon.
The escalating violence comesamidst heightened tensions between Israel and Palestinian militant groups in Gaza. The recent exchange of fire began after a series of rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes from the IDF.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, called for an immediatede-escalation of the situation and urged all parties to exercise restraint.
The use of force must be a last resort, Guterres said in a statement. I urge all parties to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further loss of life and find a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
The latest round ofviolence has raised fears of a wider conflict in the region. The situation remains volatile, with both sides showing no signs of backing down.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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