GAZA — At least 66 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a residential block in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, according to Palestinian sources on Thursday.

The bombing, which occurred on Wednesday night, targeted several houses near Kamal Adwan Hospital. Hussam Abu Safiya, the hospital director, confirmed that 66 people, including women and children, died in the attack.

The Israeli army has not yet commented on the bombing.

Due to a lack of civil defense personnel, doctors and medical staff at the hospital had to pull victims from the rubble by hand.

The hospital, which lacks specialized surgical facilities, is currently providing only first aid.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has been conducting a large-scale military operation in Gaza following a major attack by Hamas that resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages taken.

The ongoing conflict has led to over 44,000 deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza, according to Gaza authorities.

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