In a tragic incident in Gaza's Al-Maghazi refugee camp, 11 children lost their lives due to an Israeli military strike. The strike, which occurred on April 16 at approximately 3:40 p.m., targeted what the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described as a 'terror target.' However, the strike resulted in devastating consequences, with 11 innocent children falling victim to the attack.
Among the victims was 10-year-old Shahed, who was playing foosball with her friends near a cake shop when the missile struck, ending her young life. The aftermath of the strike revealed the use of a precision-guided munition, likely fired by an Israeli drone, according to weapons experts who analyzed the scene.
The strike left a small crater in the road and caused significant damage to the surrounding buildings, indicating the use of a sophisticated weapon. Fragments of the munition collected at the scene, including a circuit board, further supported the experts' assessment of a guided missile being deployed.
Despite mounting evidence pointing to Israeli military responsibility for the strike, the IDF initially denied any record of the incident. Questions have been raised about the military's decision-making process and chain of command, especially in light of reports suggesting the use of artificial intelligence to approve bombing targets.
As the community mourns the loss of the children, survivors like Mahmoud and Sama continue to grapple with the trauma of that fateful day. Mahmoud expressed his fear and sleepless nights, while Sama fondly remembers her friend Shahed, who crafted a beaded necklace for her before the tragedy struck.
The heartbreaking story also includes 8-year-old Ahmed, who fought for his life for nearly 16 days before succumbing to his injuries. His passing marked the eleventh child to lose their life in the aftermath of the strike, leaving families and the community devastated.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the tragic loss of innocent lives serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for peace in the region.
