Israeli airstrike hit Beit Lahiya, a town in northern Gaza, killing or leaving missing a total of 87 people and injuring over 40 others, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

The Israeli military said it was looking into the incident, which had one of the highest death tolls in months. They also claimed that an earlier report of 73 casualties by Hamas seemed exaggerated, given the type of weapons used in the strike, which targeted a Hamas location.

Rescue efforts were being delayed by communication problems and ongoing military activities in the area near the Israel border.

The health ministry said that many victims were still trapped under the rubble, and emergency teams were unable to reach them.

The airstrike occurred two weeks into an Israeli operation near Jabalia, south of Beit Lahiya, where troops and tanks were trying to remove Hamas fighters.

U.N. envoy Tor Wennesland condemned the attacks on civilians and called for the protection of civilians, the release of hostages, and an end to Palestinian displacement.

Evacuation orders urging people to move south have raised concerns among Palestinians that the operation’s aim is to push them out of northern Gaza to secure Israeli control after the conflict.

However, Israel denied these claims, stating it seeks to protect civilians and separate them from Hamas fighters.

During the Jabalia operation, Israel reported killing many armed Palestinian fighters, finding weapons, and dismantling military structures. Residents said Israeli forces also raided shelters for displaced families and detained dozens of men.