Witnesses described the scenes of terror and devastation as Israeli airstrikes hit a crowded civilian market and a nearby restaurant in central Gaza City on Wednesday, which killed at least 30 people and injuring more than 80 others.
Some witnesses said at least two bombs were dropped in the area, with one landing near a restaurant, where many diners were inside at the time.
Footage filmed by a local resident showed numerous dead and wounded lying in front of the restaurant after the attack.
"We were here selling goods at our stalls. Everything seemed normal. I was walking along the street selling mint when suddenly a bomb dropped from the sky. I immediately threw the mint on the ground and ran for my life. My shoes were worn out. Almost everyone in the market was killed. The bomb landed right here, killing more than 30 people. Nearly all the vendors were killed, even the man who sold beans didn't survive," said Anas Al-Banna, a vendor.
According to Anas Al-Banna, they decided to settle there because the Israeli army had assured them it was safe there.
"This is a civilian market. Everyone here is a refugee living in the area. The Israeli army told us it was safe. But after we came, we were attacked. No matter where we go, we end up being targeted," he added.
Ashraf Zaher, another witness to the horrific scene, said he was still haunted by the horrific scene.
"I don't know how to describe the scene. There were bodies everywhere. It took a long time for the ambulances to arrive and take the dead and wounded away. Everyone was terrified there might be a second strike. Honestly, words can't describe what I saw. No one could possibly bear that," said Ashraf Zaher.
Many of the injured and the bodies of the deceased were transported to the nearby Al-Shifa Hospital, which soon became overcrowded with grieving relatives.
Witnesses recall horrific moment of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City
Witnesses recall horrific moment of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
