An Israeli airstrike on a camp for displaced people in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah has killed at least 35 individuals, predominantly women and children, stirring international condemnation and raising critical questions about the protection of civilians in conflict zones.
Palestinian medics reported that the strike, which occurred on Sunday, caused tents to catch fire, trapping numerous others in flaming debris. The Gaza Health Ministry emphasized the significant toll on civilians, pointing out the intense aggregation of lethal weapons deployed in Gaza in full view of the international community, amidst crippling shortages of essential resources.
The targeted neighborhood, Tal al-Sultan, had been designated by Israel as a “humanitarian area,” a status challenged by the deadly outcomes of this attack. The Palestine Red Crescent Society and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) expressed concern and horror at the incident, emphasizing that it again demonstrates the urgent need for a ceasefire.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the airstrike and claimed it was executed against legitimate Hamas targets based on precise intelligence. The IDF said they hit a Hamas compound and two senior Hamas militants, but they are now reviewing reports indicating civilian harm.
This fatal incident occurred just two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its military operations in Rafah, raising grave legal and ethical questions about the disregard for international directives.
In an immediate response to the strike, Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced a missile barrage, underlining the unending cycle of violence that has characterized the seven-month conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Aid access to Gaza, especially in the southern regions, has been severely hampered due to ongoing hostilities. The Rafah crossing, a critical point for aid delivery, has been at the center of international diplomatic efforts, with a new agreement to bypass it through Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing.
The conflict has prompted massive displacement, with around 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population forced to flee their homes. Reports of widespread hunger and parts of the territory experiencing famine compound the humanitarian crisis.
Notwithstanding the calls from the international community, including a recent United Nations directive, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated Israel’s intent to persist with military operations to vanquish Hamas and secure the release of hostages.
Relevant articles:
– Gaza medics say Israeli strike kills 35 in Rafah as IDF investigates after it says Hamas officials killed, cbc.ca, 05/27/2024
– Palestinian medics say Israeli airstrikes kill 35 in Gaza’s Rafah as displaced people are hit, The Associated Press, 05/26/2024
– At least 35 killed in Israeli airstrike on displaced persons camp in Rafah, health ministry says, hours after Hamas fired rockets into Israel, CBS News, 05/26/2024
– Gaza ministry reports at least 35 killed in strike that hit civilian tents in Rafah, NBC News, 05/27/2024
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