July 2024 al-Mawasi attack

Significance

On 13 July 2024, Israeli airstrikes struck the Al-Mawasi area near Khan Yunis, killing at least 90 Palestinians, including women and children, and wounding over 300. Israel stated the strikes were directed at senior Hamas leadership. The attack drew immediate attention because Al-Mawasi had been designated a humanitarian zone where displaced civilians were directed to seek shelter. Survivors reported receiving no warning before the strikes. The incident highlighted the tension within the Gaza War between Israeli targeting of Hamas command figures and the protection of civilian displacement zones, raising questions about the viability of designated safe areas as the conflict continued.