The latest Middle East: ‘Countdown has begun’: Israel warns new Hezbollah leader after spate of killings

More now on Israel’s airstrike in northern Gaza, which the Hamas-led territory’s Ministry of Health says has left at least 93 people either dead or missing (see our 5/12 post).

The US – Israel’s key ally – described the attack in the town of Beit Lahiya as “a horrific incident with a horrific outcome” and said officials had contacted the Israeli government to find out what happened.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller added that he was aware of reports that children were among the dead.

He said officials “have made it clear that we want to know exactly what happened, how you could have an outcome that produced, according to reports, dozens of dead children, and we still don’t know the answer to that question.”

“It is extremely important … that Israel is aware of achieving greater strategic success and that (Israel) be careful to find a way to end this campaign in a way that brings the hostages home, in a way to ensure their security. , and not just continue in endless, perpetual conflict,” he added.

The US told Israel earlier this month to take steps to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza within 30 days or face potential restrictions on military aid.

But the US has so far not made enough progress on the points it set out to make, Mr Miller said.

The UN Human Rights Office said it was “appalled” by the attack, calling for a prompt and transparent investigation into the circumstances.

Reuters news agency reported seeing video footage showing several bodies in blankets outside a bombed four-story building.

“There are dozens of (dead) martyrs, dozens of displaced people lived in this house,” witness Ismail Ouaida, who was helping to recover the bodies, said in the video.

“The house was bombed without prior warning. As you can see, the martyrs are here and there, with body parts hanging from the walls.”

Yesterday, the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said about 100,000 people are trapped in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun without food or medical supplies.

Those injured in today’s strike could not receive care as doctors were forced to evacuate the nearby Kamal Adwan Hospital, the territory’s Ministry of Health claimed.