UPDATE - At least 11 killed as Israel hits safe zone near Rafah

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS, CHANGES IN HEADLINE, DECK, BODY

By Mohamed Majid

GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) - At least 11 people were killed and 40 others injured as Israeli forces on Friday targeted a safe zone near Rafah, southern Gaza on Friday, sources and witnesses said.

Anadolu learned that Israeli military vehicles shelled tents in the Al Mawasi area – designated as a safe zone – over the past hours, resulting in the casualties among the displaced who fled Rafah after Israel began its onslaught on the city early May.

The bombardment accompanied the advancement of Israeli forces towards the Shakoush area, causing panic among the displaced, who were then forced to flee their tents towards Khan Younis.

Al-Mawasi, a narrow strip of coastal land, lacks residential infrastructure, with no sewage systems, electricity lines, or communication networks. Most of the land is divided into agricultural greenhouses or sandy expanses.

The displaced in the area face dire conditions, with severe shortages of basic resources such as water, sanitation, medical care, and food.

Despite condemnations and outcry, Israel has targeted tents and shelters for refugees in various areas of the Gaza Strip since it launched an offensive last October, which has resulted in the killing of more than 37,700 Palestinians and created conditions of famine in the territory.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio​​​​​​​ and Ikram Kouachi