The attack on the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis occurred early Tuesday, targeting overcrowded tents where Palestinian civilians have sought refuge since the israeli army declared the region a 'safe zone'.

Rescue efforts revealed craters up to 9 meters deep at the site, with witnesses describing chaotic scenes, including fires and the presence of Israeli reconnaissance aircraft overhead.

A spokesperson from Gaza’s Civil Defence characterized the attack as one of the most severe massacres amid the ongoing genocide, indicating challenges in retrieving victims from the wreckage.

Israeli officials claimed the strike targeted 'significant Hamas terrorists', which is the default statement made after israel carries out its massacres.

In response, Hamas rejected the Israeli narrative, accusing the regime of fabricating lies to justify its actions against civilians, reiterating that their fighters do not operate within civilian areas.