ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE IN GAZA KILLS AT LEAST NINE, INCLUDING SIX CHILDREN

NEW DELHI: An Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza’s southernmost city resulted in the deaths of 'at least nine people,' including 'six of them children,' according to hospital authorities on Saturdayas Israel pursued its nearly seven-month offensive in the besieged Palestinian territory.

The conflict between Israel and the Islamic militant group Hamas has heightened tensions in an already volatile Middle East.

On late Friday, an airstrike struck a residential building in the western Tel Sultan neighborhood of Rafah, as reported by Gaza’s civil defence. The bodies of 'the six children,' 'two women,' and 'a man' were transported to Rafah's Abu Yousef al-Najjar hospital, according to the hospital’s records.

At the hospital, grieving relatives embraced and mourned over the bodies of the children, who were 'wrapped in white shrouds,' while receiving comfort from others.

Among the casualties were Abdel-Fattah Sobhi Radwan, his wife Najlaa Ahmed Aweidah, and their three children, as confirmed by his brother-in-law Ahmed Barhoum. Barhoum also suffered the loss of his wife, Rawan Radwan, and their 5-year-old daughter Alaa.

Expressing his anguish, Barhoum said, 'This is a world devoid of all human values and morals,' while tearfully holding and rocking Alaa's body.

No casualties were reported from a second overnight strike in the city.

Rafah, situated on the border with Egypt, is currently home to over half of Gaza’s total population of approximately 2.3 million individuals, with the majority having been displaced due to conflicts in the northern region of the territory.

Despite appeals for moderation from the international community, including Israel’s key ally, the United States, the Israeli government has maintained its stance for months, affirming its plans for a ground offensive in the city. The government believes that numerous Hamas militants are still entrenched within the city.

(With inputs from Agencies)