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Live blog update| Gaza Under Attack

'The floor was shaking': Horror and chaos after deadly raid

An eyewitness to the deadly air strike on a residential building in central Gaza on Friday afternoon described a scene of horror and chaos as Israeli jets began their attack.  

"I was at home playing with my children," said Khaled al-Hindi. "There was no warning or signs of any incoming strikes." 

Then, out of nowhere, Hindi told Middle East Eye, the impact of the bomb was felt. 

"The floor was shaking and the children started to run out. My mother, an elderly lady, fell over and was injured. She was taken to hospital for treatment," he said. 

Khaled al-Hindi sheltering with his two children in a neighbour's home after the building they lived in was struck by an Israeli raid in central Gaza on 12 May 2023 (MEE/Mohammed al-Hajjar)
Khaled al-Hindi sheltering with his two children in a neighbour's home after the building they lived in was struck by an Israeli raid in central Gaza on 12 May 2023 (MEE/Mohammed al-Hajjar)

The strike hit a flat in a seven-storey building where around 20 families lived, most of whom were children. 

At least two people were killed, including a senior Islamic Jihad commander. 

"I saw them pull out a body from a building. I'm just glad we are safe," Hindi said.