An Israeli airstrike on the southern Gaza city of Rafah resulted in at least 45 deaths, including displaced civilians living in tents. The attack, which was followed by Hamas firing rockets towards central Israel, has drawn sharp condemnation from countries like Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Turkey, France, and Qatar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a “tragic mistake” and promised an investigation.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the airstrike, stating it targeted a Hamas compound, but noted that civilian casualties occurred due to fire ignited by the strike. The Gaza Ministry of Health decried the scale of destruction and shortage of essential supplies, while eyewitnesses reported significant damage to tents in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society indicated that the death toll might rise as rescue operations continue.
This escalation follows the International Court of Justice’s order for Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah. Meanwhile, international diplomatic efforts, led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, are ongoing to negotiate the release of hostages held by Hamas since the conflict began in October last year.
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