GAZA, October 30, 2017 (WAFA) – Initial count of casualties from an Israeli strike at a tunnel in Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip, on Monday showed that at least seven Palestinians were killed and 14 injured, many in critical condition, according to the Ministry of Health.

It said the number could rise significantly due to the large number of people still missing in the tunnel that was turned into rubble.

Reports said Israel fired five missiles at the tunnel that was being dug east of Khan Younis and which Israel claims was leading to its territory,

Medical reports in Gaza said most of those killed died after Israel fired missiles at the tunnel as rescuers were attempting to dig out those trapped inside. Some apparently died from inhaling poisonous gas reportedly fired by the Israeli air force at the tunnel.

The attack came as Hamas, which controls Gaza since 2007, was getting ready to turn over power of the coastal enclave to the Palestinian government under Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.

M.K.