An Israeli airstrike on a warehouse in Gaza City killed at least 22 Palestinians, including nine children and six women, according to local rescue services—sparking renewed international outcry over civilian casualties in the ongoing Gaza conflict .
The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted “two Hamas terrorists” in northern Gaza but offered no evidence to substantiate the claim or explain the high civilian death toll. The strike hit near Firas Market on the eastern edge of Gaza City, where displaced families had sought shelter .
⚠️ Civilian Toll: Among the dead were 15 women and children, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense. Five more civilians were killed in separate strikes elsewhere in Gaza City the same day .
What Happened in Gaza City?
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Israeli forces launched a ground invasion into Gaza City—already devastated by months of bombardment—as part of a renewed effort to eliminate Hamas strongholds. Prior to the offensive, Israel ordered the entire population of the city (nearly 1 million people) to evacuate to a designated “humanitarian zone” in southern Gaza .
However, many residents—like freelance journalist Nedal Abu Sherbi—could not or chose not to leave:
“If I am going to suffer anyway, then I am staying here.”
Abu Sherbi, now sheltering in a school in Rimal after his home was destroyed, described constant airstrikes and severe mobility restrictions across the city .
Casualty Breakdown: September 24 Strikes
| Location | Total Killed | Women | Children | Israeli Claim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firas Market warehouse | 22 | 6 | 9 | “Two Hamas terrorists” |
| Other Gaza City areas | 5 | 4 | 1 | Not specified |
| Nuseirat (central Gaza) | 4 | Unknown | Unknown | No comment |
International Response and Escalating Diplomacy
The strike comes amid growing global condemnation of Israel’s military campaign. In recent days, at least 10 countries—including Spain, Ireland, and Norway—have formally recognized a Palestinian state, a move Israel called “outrageous” .
Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate:
- ✅ The U.N. reports famine conditions in Gaza City
- ✅ A U.N.-backed commission alleges Israel is committing genocide—a claim Israel denies
- ✅ Over 640,000 people have fled Gaza City since evacuation orders, but many remain trapped
Broader Conflict Context
The war began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and triggered a massive Israeli military response. Since then, over 45,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities .
On the same day as the warehouse strike, a drone launched by Yemen’s Houthi militia hit the Israeli city of Eilat, injuring 20 people—highlighting the regional spillover of the conflict .
What’s Next?
With Israeli troops now entrenched in Gaza City neighborhoods and humanitarian aid blocked, analysts warn of worsening civilian suffering. Satellite imagery shows entire districts like Zeitoun reduced to rubble—barren wastelands where homes once stood .
For deeper analysis on the humanitarian crisis, see our feature on Gaza’s deepening famine and displacement crisis.
For verified conflict data and legal analysis, refer to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
