Devastating Israeli Airstrike on Rafah Camp: 35 Palestinians Killed, Senior Hamas Officials Targeted
In a tragic escalation of violence, at least 35 Palestinians lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike on a camp for displaced people in the southern city of Rafah late Sunday. The Hamas-run ministry of health confirmed the casualties, highlighting the increasing toll on civilians amid the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli military, in a statement, defended the strike, citing “precise intelligence” that identified “legitimate targets under international law.” The strike reportedly targeted and killed two senior Hamas officials allegedly responsible for operations in the West Bank. Despite these claims, the strike has drawn widespread condemnation for its impact on non-combatants.
Rafah’s northwest, where the strike occurred, has been a refuge for many fleeing the intensified assault on the city. This area, overcrowded with tents, became a scene of chaos and devastation as fire spread across the camp. Social media footage showed desperate efforts to rescue the injured and recover the bodies of the deceased from the burning tents.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) issued a statement expressing their ongoing efforts to save lives, treating the injured at a field hospital. “It’s imperative to protect civilians,” the ICRC emphasized, underscoring the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Rafah.
The area targeted by the airstrike had not been designated for evacuation by the Israeli military, leading many to believe it was a relatively safer haven. The Biden administration had previously cautioned against such assaults due to the high risk to civilian lives.
Acknowledging the reports of civilian casualties and the ensuing fire, the Israeli military stated that the “incident is under review.” Nevertheless, the military continues its operations against Hamas in Rafah, interpreting a recent ruling by the International Court in The Hague as allowing the incursion to proceed, provided it is conducted with care.
Despite the international outcry and legal scrutiny, Israeli officials maintain that their strikes in Rafah are targeted and necessary to combat Hamas, stopping short of a full-scale invasion. The conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides suffering significant losses and the civilian population caught in the crossfire.
