In a devastating escalation of violence, at least 71 people have been killed and 289 wounded in an Israeli air attack on the Al-Mawasi refugee camp, located west of Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip.

The Health Ministry in Gaza confirmed the casualties, marking one of the deadliest strikes in the ongoing conflict.

Gaza’s Civil Defence said the targeted area had been designated by Israeli forces as a so-called “safe” zone. However, witnesses described a harrowing scene where rescue workers and health teams were targeted by Israeli forces as they arrived at the camp.

Local media outlets quoted witnesses who described a series of violent raids by Israeli fighter jets, followed by squadrons of quadcopter aircraft that opened fire with machine guns on the arriving ambulance and civil defence teams.

In an official statement, the Health Ministry in Gaza stated, “The death toll of the occupation’s horrific massacre against citizens and displaced people in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis reached more than 71 martyrs and 289 injuries, including serious cases that medical teams are still dealing with up to this moment.”

Earlier reports indicated that the bodies of 20 Palestinians and over 90 injured individuals were brought to the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis after the bombing.

The Gaza government media office also reported that more than 100 Palestinians were killed and wounded in what they termed a "major massacre" by the Israeli army in the Al-Mawasi area. The office's statement condemned the attack, stating, the occupation army committed a major massacre by bombing displaced persons camps.

This tragic incident adds to the mounting toll of the conflict, which has seen numerous civilian casualties amidst the ongoing violence. The targeting of an area previously classified as a safe zone raises significant concerns about the safety and security of civilians in Gaza.