Hamas condemns Israeli airstrike on Al-Abyad Mosque as ‘war crime’
Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, as seen from Sderot, Israel May 13. (Reuters Photo)
Hamas has denounced an airstrike by Israeli forces targeting the Al-Abyad Mosque in the Al-Shati Refugee Camp, located in western Gaza City. The group has labeled the attack, which resulted in significant casualties, as “another war crime concealed by the United States.”
In a written statement, Hamas addressed the attack that struck worshippers attending midday prayers in the vicinity of the demolished mosque. The statement described the incident as a “massacre committed by the fascist occupation army (Israeli army) against our defenseless people in Gaza.”
The statement further detailed the impact of the attack, reporting that the death toll had risen to 18. “This massacre, committed by Israel in front of the world, has led to the death of 18 worshippers, left dozens injured, and displaced residents of the area. This event is a new war crime covered up by the United States,” the statement read.
Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defense Unit, confirmed that the airstrike on Al-Abyad Mosque resulted in 15 deaths, with 20 others sustaining serious injuries.
Earlier in the day, the Israeli military conducted another airstrike in the Al-Mawasi area west of Khan Yunis, previously deemed “safe” by Israeli authorities. This attack resulted in 90 fatalities.
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have claimed the lives of at least 38,443 Palestinians, including 15,694 children and 10,279 women, while injuring 88,481 individuals.
