Six children were among 10 people killed in an Israeli airstrike Sunday at a water distribution point in central Gaza, local health officials reported, in one of the deadliest days in recent weeks.
Footage from the scene, verified by local hospital staff, showed bloodied water containers strewn across the ground and bodies of children being rushed away by anguished civilians.
The attack came amid faltering ceasefire negotiations in Doha, raising fears of an escalating humanitarian catastrophe.
Al-Awda Hospital confirmed the deaths, adding that most of the victims had arrived with shrapnel injuries and severe burns.
The Israeli military later admitted the strike had missed its intended target—a member of the Islamic Jihad group—and blamed a misfire for the “munition falling dozens of meters from the target.”
“This tragedy is under review,” the Israel Defense Forces said in a brief statement.
Earlier in the day, another Israeli airstrike targeted a busy junction in central Gaza, killing at least 12 and injuring more than 40, according to Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex. Among the dead was Dr. Ahmad Qandeel, a highly respected surgeon, mourned by Gaza’s Health Ministry as a “pillar of medical service in the enclave.”
The Palestinian Health Ministry says 139 bodies were recovered across the strip in the past 24 hours—the highest daily toll since July 2—bringing the death toll to 58,026 since October 7, 2023.
Ceasefire talks in Doha appear to have stalled, with both Israeli and Hamas negotiators blaming each other for the impasse. Meanwhile, residents in Gaza report constant airstrikes, scarce water, and crumbling medical infrastructure.
