Hamas Health Ministry Reports: Israeli Attacks Leave at Least 25 Dead and 50 Injured

The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by the militant group Hamas, stated on Saturday, July 2, that at least 25 people were killed and 50 others injured following Israeli attacks on what it described as "Palestinian refugee tents in southern Gaza." According to the Associated Press, relatives of victims reported that their family members were killed in one of the bombings near a Red Cross field hospital, where Israeli forces allegedly fired upon those who had emerged from the tents. The news agency noted that the locations of the attacks appeared to be outside the safe zone designated by Israel along the Gaza coast. In this regard, the Israeli army stated that the matter is under investigation, but there are "no signs of an attack by military forces" within the declared safe zone. Meanwhile, Reuters reported, citing the director of Hamas's media office, that at least 42 people were killed in Saturday's Israeli attacks on areas in Gaza City. He told Reuters that the Israeli attack on "al-Shati," one of eight civilian camps in Gaza, left 24 dead, while 18 Palestinians were killed in the attack on "al-Tuffah." The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry has announced that over 37,400 people have been killed due to Israeli attacks, but has not yet mentioned the number of Palestinian militants killed. Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas, a group supported by the Islamic Republic, of using civilians as human shields. Israeli attacks on Gaza began following Hamas's attacks on the country on October 7 of last year, which resulted in at least 1,200 deaths, most of whom were civilians. Hamas militants also took over 250 hostages and brought them to Gaza. The Israeli army noted that 116 of the hostages have not been released, stating that "41 of them are likely dead." Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and several other countries. The Prime Minister of Qatar reported "some progress" in ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. Netanyahu stated that Biden's decision to limit arms shipments to Israel is unacceptable. Two Israeli soldiers were killed following a Hamas attack in Gaza City. The U.S. Department of Defense announced that aid from a temporary dock in Gaza has resumed. Washington expressed deep dissatisfaction with Netanyahu's criticism regarding the war in Gaza. Israeli military operations continue in various areas of Gaza.