Israeli Drone Strike Kills 8 Children Playing in Gaza Street

On Tuesday, an Israeli drone strike killed 14 people, including 8 children, in the Al Maghazi refugee camp in Gaza. The victims were playing foosball in the street when the incident happened, according to eyewitnesses.

Among those killed was 10-year-old Shahed Owdatallah, who was considered a "miracle" by her family after being born through IVF. Her pink pants were found next to the foosball table where she had been playing, and later at Al-Aqsa hospital.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed carrying out the airstrike, saying it targeted a "terror target" in Maghazi. However, the IDF declined to provide additional details about the strike, which is currently under review.

Why this matters: The tragic deaths of these children highlight the devastating human toll of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The incident is part of a broader escalation of violence, with over 13,900 Palestinian children killed in Israeli attacks, according to the Ministry of Health.

Since Wednesday, at least 71 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza, raising the total death toll to nearly 34,000 people. The Palestinian health ministry stated 42 Palestinians killed and 63 wounded in Israeli attacks in the past 24 hours alone.

The escalating violence has also taken a severe toll on Gaza's health system. Out of 30 hospitals that used to operate in the besieged enclave, only four are now partially functional in northern Gaza.

The attack on the children playing in the street has drawn condemnation and calls for accountability. "This is a tragic and unacceptable incident that demands a thorough investigation," said a UN spokesperson. "The killing of children can never be justified under any circumstances."

Key Takeaways

• Israeli drone strike killed 14 people, including 8 children, in Gaza.
• Victims were playing foosball when the incident happened, per eyewitnesses.
• IDF confirmed the airstrike, claiming it targeted a "terror target" in Maghazi.
• Over 13,900 Palestinian children killed in Israeli attacks, per Health Ministry.
• Escalating violence has severely impacted Gaza's health system, with only 4 hospitals partially functional.