Israeli airstrike kills civilians in Gaza's Al-Bureij camp
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GAZA CITY — An Israeli airstrike on a gathering of people in the Al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip killed multiple Palestinian civilians and injured others late Thursday, local health officials said.
The strike occurred around 10:56 p.m. local time on April 10, 2026, targeting a crowded area within the camp. Emergency workers rushed to the scene to treat the wounded and recover bodies from the rubble. The exact number of casualties remains unclear as rescue efforts continued through the night.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed it conducted an airstrike in the area but did not immediately release details regarding the target or the specific justification for the operation. The Israeli military has not commented on whether the gathering was linked to militant activity or if it was a civilian event.
Al-Bureij is one of the largest refugee camps in Gaza, home to tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians. The area has been heavily affected by the ongoing conflict, with frequent military operations reported in recent months. Residents described the scene as chaotic, with families searching for loved ones amid the debris.
Local hospitals in the central Gaza Strip reported receiving numerous casualties from the strike. Medical staff said many of the injured suffered from shrapnel wounds and severe trauma. Some patients were in critical condition, while others were treated for less severe injuries.
The United Nations and international human rights organizations have called for an immediate investigation into the incident. They emphasized the need to protect civilians in densely populated areas and urged all parties to exercise caution to prevent further loss of life.
Palestinian officials condemned the strike, describing it as a violation of international law. They called for an independent inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and to hold those responsible accountable.
The Israeli government has not yet responded to the allegations. Military spokespersons have previously stated that operations in Gaza are conducted to neutralize threats and protect Israeli citizens. However, no specific details were provided regarding this particular incident.
As of Friday morning, the situation in Al-Bureij remained tense. Rescue teams continued to work through the night to clear debris and search for survivors. Families gathered outside the camp, waiting for news about their missing relatives.
The incident raises questions about the targeting procedures used by the Israeli military and the safety of civilians in conflict zones. It also highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where access to medical care and basic necessities remains severely limited.
Further details are expected to emerge as investigations proceed. The international community is watching closely, with calls for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.