An Israeli attack on Beit Lahiya, a town in northern Gaza, killed at least 73 Palestinians on Saturday evening, Oct. 19, according to the enclave’s government media office, reported Middle East Eye. More than 100 others were wounded and several people missing. “This is a war of genocide and ethnic cleansing. The occupation has conducted a horrifying massacre in Beit Lahiya,” the media office said.
The attack shook the entire western part of the town, and buildings collapsed while people were inside, Al Jazeera reported. Residents were given no warnings to leave their homes. Many people were left trapped under the rubble, with paramedics and civil defense crews unable to immediately reach the area due to the intensity of Israeli bombardment. Hossam Abu Safia, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, said that many of those wounded in the attack had died due to a severe lack of resources, medical supplies and specialized personnel at the facility.