Gaza war: Israeli strike kills 33 people, injures 85 others in Jabalia refugee camp

At least 33 people were killed and 85 others were injuredin Israeli strikes that hit several houses on Friday (Oct 18) in Jabalia, the largest of Gaza's eight historic refugee camps, the news agency Reuters reported on Saturday citing medics.

According to the Hamas-runGaza government media office, the death toll from the strikes could increase as some people were believed to be trapped under the rubble.

The death toll also included children. The Israeli military has not commented on the strikes yet.

'Israeli army destroying dozens of houses daily'

As per the Reuters report, Jabalia residents said thatIsraeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.

They added the Israeli army was destroying dozens of houses daily, from the air and the ground, and by placing bombs in buildings then detonating them remotely.

These strikes come after Israel declared that it killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during an operation in the southern Gaza Strip.

A new offensive in Jabalia

On October 6, Israel launched a new offensive in northern Gaza, including aroundJabalia, saying it was targeting Hamas fighters who were regrouping there.

Since then, scores of people have been killed in the area, which had already been hit hard by fighting earlier in the year-long war.

This attack in the refugee camp on Friday came a day after 14 people were killedin an Israeli strike on the Abu Hussein school, which has become a shelter in Jabalia.

"A horrific massacre, most of the injured and wounded are lying on the ground at Kamal Adwan Hospital, and their condition is critical," an emergency service worker told the news agency AFP.

"We are unable to manage these severe cases due to the shortage of medical supplies and specialised personnel, leading to an increase in the number of martyrs," the worker added.

(With inputs from agencies)