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Israeli Airstrike Hits Gaza City Apartment, Killing at Least Five
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Airstrike on the al-Asala Building
An Israeli airstrike struck the al-Asala residential building in Gaza City’s densely populated Rimal (Remal) neighbourhood early on Saturday while residents were asleep. According to Al Jazeera reporter Hani al-Shaer, the attack was delivered without prior warning. He reported hearing fighter jets grow louder before three missiles hit the apartment, penetrating the unit and tearing through the floors below. Fires burned for about an hour before Palestinian Civil Defence crews extinguished them.
Casualties and Immediate Damage
Medical staff at al-Shifa Hospital confirmed at least five people were killed and six were severely wounded. The deceased included four women, among them an elderly Christian woman and her daughter. The wounded were taken to al-Shifa for treatment. Al-Shaer described the scene as “horrific,” with bodies buried under rubble and rescue crews continuing to search for missing persons. Israeli drones remained overhead, and fighter jets were heard flying low across the Strip after the strike.
Context of the Rimal (Remal) Neighbourhood
Rimal is one of Gaza City’s most crowded residential districts, housing thousands of displaced families in makeshift shelters. The neighbourhood’s high density means that strikes often affect multiple households and complicate rescue efforts. The al-Asala building’s multi-storey structure amplified the blast’s impact, causing damage to lower floors and spreading fire throughout the block.
Ongoing Search and Civil-Defence Efforts
Palestinian Civil Defence teams have been combing the rubble for additional victims and missing residents. Their operations are hampered by the continued presence of Israeli aircraft, which limits the speed and safety of rescue work. The incident adds to the mounting civilian toll in Gaza’s urban areas, where night-time strikes have repeatedly struck residential zones without warning.