Israeli airstrike kills 73 in northern Gaza on October 20
- An Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, killed at least 73 people, mainly civilians, on October 19, 2024.
- The Israeli military claimed that casualty figures provided by Hamas authorities were exaggerated and inconsistent with their own assessments.
- The continued violence and military operations have raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the severe toll on its civilian population.
On October 19, 2024, an Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, resulted in the deaths of at least 73 individuals, including women and children, according to Hamas-run authorities. The bombing targeted densely populated residential areas, leading to further casualties with many injured and trapped beneath debris. Israel, however, refuted the casualty figures, deeming them exaggerated and inconsistent with military reports. The heightened military activity in northern Gaza began after early October, aimed at undermining Hamas' capabilities in the region amidst a backdrop of severe humanitarian crises exacerbated by blockade measures. Humanitarian organizations reported a drastic drop in aid to Gaza, compared to previous months. Furthermore, Israeli officials claimed they had allowed civilians a safe evacuation route while restricting supplies to the conflict zones. Amidst the escalating violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported a separate incident where a drone allegedly targeted his residence, attributed to Hezbollah, with no injuries reported. As conflict rages on, the toll in Gaza has risen sharply since its escalation, highlighting the ongoing and devastating humanitarian impact on civilians caught in the crossfire.