Dozens dead and thousands flee as Israel expands assault into southeast Gaza

Live Updates: Follow the latest news Israel-Gaza

Israel began bombing the Gaza Strip’s Al Zeitoun neighborhood on Thursday, killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians and forcing thousands to flee their homes, residents said The National.

As the army drove its tanks into the southeast of the enclave, helicopters opened heavy fire.

Many residents of Al Zeitoun left their homes around 2 a.m., said Mahmoud Bassal, the civil defense official in the northern Gaza Strip The National.

“As Israeli troops advanced toward the Al Zeitoun neighborhood, they continued to shell residential buildings,” he said. “Israeli aircraft carried out about 20 airstrikes, causing fear among people who immediately began evacuating.”

Many left their homes without knowing where to go, he said, adding that intersections were hit by airstrikes, making it difficult for people to leave the area.

“We received around 12 calls from residents asking for help and evacuation, but unfortunately we could not do anything because there is no coordination between us and the Israeli army,” Bassal said.

Witnesses said Israeli vehicles drove into the southern areas of Street 8 and Ali Mosque.

The bombing killed dozens of people and injured several people, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported, citing medical sources.

Many of the bodies have yet to be recovered from the rubble of their homes.

The war has forced about 80 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents from their homes and destroyed apartments, hospitals, mosques and schools.

More than 34,900 Palestinians have been killed since the war began on October 7 after Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages. According to health authorities in the Gaza Strip, more than 78,400 people have been injured since the conflict began. Israel says Hamas is still holding about 100 hostages and the remains of more than 30 others.

Updated: May 9, 2024, 11:06 a.m