The United States called an Israeli strike on an apartment building in northern Gaza “horrifying” after reports dozens of women and children were killed.
The White House said it was “deeply concerned by the loss of civilian life” after at least 88 were killed in the town of Beit Lahia, according to officials in the Hamas-run Strip.
“This was a horrifying incident with a horrifying result,” said Matthew Miller, a spokesman for the US state department, adding that the Israeli government had been contacted for more information.
Israel’s military said it was “aware” of the reports and was looking into the details, but emphasised the area targeted as an “active combat zone”.
It was the third such strike on Beit Lahiya after Israel hit a block of flats on Sunday and also hit a residential building on Oct 20, killing dozens of people, according to Palestinian officials.
Israel has escalated strikes and launched a new ground operation in northern Gaza in recent weeks, saying it is focused on rooting out Hamas terrorists who have regrouped after more than a year of war.