Israeli strikes on southern Gaza kill 51, says Hamas-run health ministry

The IDF said the strikes were aimed at Hamas members operating “inside compounds that previously served as schools”. Palestinian media reported at least nine civilians were killed at one school.

Israel’s continued strikes into Gaza came just hours after it repelled a barrage of missiles from Iran and launched a ground invasion into Lebanon on the same day. It has described Tuesday’s advance into Lebanon as a “limited” operation, targeting Hezbollah sites.

The IDF is yet to comment on the strikes in southern Gaza, which reportedly occurred at dawn on Wednesday.

But one man from Qizan an-Najjar village, south-east of Khan Younis, told BBC Arabic some of his relatives had been killed in the attack.

“Tanks stormed into the area, accompanied by quadcopters that directly targeted us,” he said, speaking from Nasser Hospital where medical officials also gave updates on the death toll.

Another man at the hospital said: “We were in Qizan An-Najjar when suddenly, shells began to rain down on us from planes and tanks.”

A third man told BBC Arabic: “There was no prior warning. Following the rocket fire from Lebanon, we witnessed complete destruction. I barely survived; my daughter is injured, and my wife has a head injury that may lead to vision loss.”

He said Israeli forces had also “completely destroyed” a house where displaced families had been sheltering.