The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that 22 people were killed in a shelling attack that damaged its Gaza office, surrounded by tents housing displaced Palestinians.

The health ministry in the Hamas-controlled area reported 25 dead and 50 injured, attributing the shelling to Israel.

Witnesses said some fatalities occurred as people tried to help those panicking after the initial bombardment.

The ICRC did not identify the attackers but confirmed that 22 bodies and 45 wounded were taken to a nearby Red Cross field hospital, with additional casualties reported.

Al-Mawasi, designated a humanitarian “safe zone” by Israel, had become a refuge for thousands fleeing the assault on Rafah, The Guardian has reported.

Civil Defence spokesperson Ahmed Radwan noted that shelling hit two coastal locations filled with makeshift tents, just outside the safe zone.

The Israeli military stated that there was no indication the IDF conducted a strike within the safe zone and that the incident was under review.

Written by B.C. Begley