Night strikes hit Gaza shelter camp as conflict enters 14th month

In yesterdays overnight attacks Israeli forces hit multiple locations across Gaza killing at least 39 Palestinians in what became one of the deadliest nights in recent weeks. The most severe strike hit Mawasi — a beach-side safe-zone where Abu Kamal Al-Assar witnessed the destruction of shelter-tents that housed displaced families

The fire spread through make-shift shelters in Mawasi (which Israel marks as humanitarian area) burning gas-tanks; furniture and peoples belongings. “We dont see anyone from the whole world standing by us or helping us in this situation“ Al-Assar said at the scene where 20 people died

At Kamal Adwan Hospital in north Gaza a 16-year old wheel-chair bound teen died from drone-fire which also hurt some medical workers. The facility is one of just three partly-working hospitals in the area — all of them faced attacks since mid-fall

Multiple air-strikes also damaged houses in Gaza City where extended families took shelter; while separate attacks hit Rafah and Shejaia areas. The Israeli military says its targeting Hamas members who use residential buildings for cover; but Hamas disagrees with these claims

The conflict that started about 14 months ago (when Hamas killed 1‚200 Israelis and took over 250 hostages) has now forced almost all of Gazas 2.3 million people from their homes. Local health authorities report more than 44‚500 Palestinians died with many others still under rubble

• Israeli forces say they killed hundreds of militants
• Hamas claims many Israeli soldiers died in fighting
• Three hospitals barely work in northern Gaza
• Most Gaza population had to leave their homes