Israeli airstrikes create large crater in Gaza refugee camp

A massive crater measuring roughly 30 metres in diameter and 10 metres deep has been reported in the Jabalia refugee camp after a series of consecutive Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the blasts struck the camp’s densely populated northern sector, where residents were reportedly sheltering in makeshift shelters. The crater is surrounded by extensive damage to residential buildings, water tanks, and a nearby medical clinic, and preliminary assessments indicate that at least 15 civilians were killed and 45 injured.

The strikes come amid a renewed escalation in the Gaza Strip, following a wave of rocket fire from Hamas and other militant groups. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the attacks targeted “military installations” and “terrorist infrastructure” within the camp, citing intelligence that identified underground tunnels used for weapons storage. Human rights organisations have condemned the targeting of densely populated civilian areas, calling for an immediate ceasefire and an independent investigation into potential violations of international humanitarian law. The United Nations Security Council has urged both parties to de-escalate and to allow humanitarian aid to reach the affected population.