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There’s been an enormous explosion at a refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, and it has caused many casualties, according to authorities there.
Hamas-controlled authorities blamed the Israel Defense Forces for the explosion. The IDF did not immediately respond to a CNN question about the blast.
Here’s what you need to know about the blast and other news from Israel and Gaza today:
Blast at densely populated refugee camp: The Ministry of Interior in Gaza reported that 20 homes “were completely destroyed” in the residential Jabalya Refugee Camp. “Hundreds” of dead and injured people arrived at Gaza’s Indonesian hospital, its director, Dr. Atef al-Kahlout, told CNN, adding that many people are still under the rubble. Another doctor, Dr. Mohammad alRann, described a “scene no one can imagine” at the hospital — there are “charred bodies in the hundreds” and “patients and injured are on the floors, beds, corridors and reception area” of one of Gaza’s largest hospital, he said.
Death toll in Gaza rises again: 8,485 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health based in Ramallah, West Bank, quoting data sourced from within Hamas-controlled Gaza. In addition, more than 21,000 people have been injured, it added. About 73% of the deaths are women, children and the elderly, the ministry reported.
Aid trucks trickle into Gaza: 13 aid trucks have passed inspection and made their way into the Gaza Strip from Egypt, according to a CNN journalist at the Rafah border crossing. The US is trying to get 100 trucks a day to enter Gaza, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday. Prior to October 7, there were 450 trucks going into Gaza daily, said Lynn Hastings, the UN Humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, in a press briefing last week.
About 400 Americans and their family members are stuck in Gaza: About 1,000 people are seeking to leave, Blinken said at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing Tuesday, adding he and the State Department are “focused on this intensively.”
Protests at US Senate hearing: Blinken’s opening remarks at the Senate committee hearing Tuesday were quickly and repeatedly interrupted by protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Within minutes of speaking, Blinken was interrupted by a man shouting “ceasefire now” and “save the children of Gaza.” There were other protesters in the audience with their hands, painted red, in the air. A dozen protesters were arrested during the congressional hearing, according to Capitol Police.
US emphasizes on protecting Palestinian civilians: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday he has “repeatedly made clear” to Israeli leaders that they must ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians. “Now, we fully understand that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. And we mourn the loss of Palestinian civilians,” Austin said in opening remarks to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
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