23 Killed in Israeli Airstrike on Comedian's Home in Gaza

Health officials in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted a residential building in Deir al-Balah, resulting in the death of 23 people, including many members of the family of Palestinian comedian Mahmoud Zaiter, who has 1.2 million followers on social media. According to the ministry, Zaiter's house was destroyed in the attack, and most of the victims were women and children. In a video posted online after the attack on Friday, Zaiter appeared holding an injured child, expressing in colloquial Arabic, "I was one of the strongest opponents to anyone leaving Gaza. I make a prayer saying, 'Oh Lord, don’t make me leave Gaza. Oh Lord, don’t make me leave Gaza. Oh Lord, don’t make me leave Gaza. I love Gaza and its people so much. But it seems they want us to leave Gaza,'" before breaking down in tears.