Gaza Water Queue Strike Kills Children as Israeli Military Cites Targeting Erro

Gaza Water Queue Strike Kills 10, Including 6 Children – IDF Blames Targeting Error Amid Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

An Israeli airstrike struck civilians waiting for water in Gaza’s al-Nuseirat refugee camp on Sunday, killing 10 people—including 6 children. The missile reportedly misfired during a drone operation, hitting a group gathered near a water tanker.

Eyewitnesses described chaos as 16 others, including 7 children, were wounded and rushed to al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat—many in private vehicles and carts amid growing panic.

The Israeli military confirmed a “technical malfunction” caused the munition to fall off-course. The intended target was a member of Islamic Jihad, the IDF stated, and a formal investigation is underway. The army expressed regret for civilian casualties and emphasized efforts to avoid harm to non-combatants.

The strike came amid intensified Israeli air raids across Gaza. Gaza’s Civil Defence reported 19 additional deaths the same day from separate strikes on residential areas in Gaza City and nearby towns.

In Rafah, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) treated 132 people on Saturday for weapon-related injuries—31 of whom died. Many were reportedly trying to reach food distribution centers when hit.

Since 27 May, Rafah’s Red Cross hospital has received over 3,400 weapon-wounded patients and documented more than 250 deaths—figures exceeding annual totals within weeks. The ICRC noted the numbers reflect worsening conditions for Gaza’s civilians.

Meanwhile, the UN warns of a deepening fuel crisis, threatening hospitals, water networks, sanitation systems, and bakeries. A delivery of 75,000 liters—Gaza’s first in 130 days—was described by aid agencies as far from sufficient.

Disputes continue over deaths near aid sites. The UN reports 789 aid-related fatalities since late May. However, Israeli-backed groups like the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation contest these numbers, citing inconsistencies with Hamas-run health ministry data.