Israel-Gaza War
45 Killed in Israel Strike On Rafah That Set Tent City Ablaze
This incident has drawn widespread international condemnation and calls for an immediate ceasefire.
An Israeli airstrike on a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah, Gaza, has ignited a fire that killed at least 45 people, predominantly women and children.
The airstrike targeted the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood, a designated safe zone where thousands of displaced Palestinians had sought refuge following Israel's ground offensive in Rafah. The strike, which Israeli officials claim was aimed at eliminating senior Hamas operatives, resulted in a catastrophic fire that engulfed the camp, leaving behind a scene of charred bodies and dismembered limbs.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the strike as a "tragic mistake" and emphasized that it was not intended to cause civilian casualties. He stated that Israel's military was investigating the incident and expressed regret over the loss of innocent lives. Despite the global outcry, Netanyahu reiterated Israel's commitment to its military objectives in Gaza, asserting that the offensive would continue until Hamas was eradicated.
The international community has reacted with horror and condemnation. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a blistering statement, declaring, "There is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop." The UN Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss the strike and the ongoing conflict.
European leaders have also voiced their outrage. French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate halt to the operations in Rafah, stating, "These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians." German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged Israel to respect international humanitarian law and adhere to the International Court of Justice's ruling, which had ordered Israel to cease its military actions in Rafah.
The United States, while acknowledging Israel's right to defend itself, urged greater caution to protect civilians. A National Security Council spokesperson stated, "Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians." However, the U.S. stopped short of calling for a halt to the Rafah incursion.
Middle Eastern countries have also condemned the strike. Qatar, a key mediator in ceasefire negotiations, warned that the attack could hinder efforts to secure a truce and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan described the strike as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Humanitarian organizations have expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and its impact on civilians. Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) reported that at least 15 fatalities and numerous injuries were taken to a trauma stabilization point it supports. The organization called for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, stating, "We are horrified by this deadly event, which shows once again that nowhere is safe."
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that over 35,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began, with the majority being civilians. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated rapidly, with aid groups warning of catastrophic conditions due to a lack of access to food, clean water, and medical supplies.
The International Court of Justice had previously ordered Israel to halt its military assault on Rafah, citing the "immediate risk" to Palestinians in the border city. Despite the ruling, Israel has continued its offensive, arguing that the court's decision allows for some scope of military action.
As the conflict rages on, the international community continues to call for a political solution and an end to the violence. The UN special rapporteur has called for international sanctions and justice, while several countries, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, have moved to formally recognize a Palestinian state.
The situation in Rafah remains dire, with ongoing Israeli bombardments and a mounting death toll. The global outcry underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire and a renewed commitment to peace and humanitarian principles.