Fear and Tragedy in Gaza: A Closer Look at the Israeli Strike on a Displaced Persons’ Camp
The night of May 26 was one of terror and tragedy for Saleh Mohammed al-Hila and his family, as they sought shelter in a camp for displaced people in Rafah, Gaza. Hamas had launched rockets at central Israel, prompting Israeli forces to retaliate. What followed was a series of events that would leave dozens of Palestinians dead, including four of Mr. al-Hila’s relatives.
The Israeli military claimed that the strike on the camp was targeting Hamas officials, but the aftermath revealed a different story. The camp, known as Kuwaiti Al-Salam Camp 1, had been in existence for months, housing hundreds of families who had been displaced by the ongoing conflict. The analysis of satellite imagery and witness accounts raised questions about the Israeli military’s assertion that they had taken precautions to avoid civilian casualties.
The strike, which used American-made GBU-39 bombs, caused widespread destruction and loss of life. Witnesses described the chaos and carnage that followed, with people running and screaming, trying to save loved ones from the flaming wreckage. The toll climbed to 45 killed and 249 injured, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
As international outrage grew, Israeli officials offered explanations and justifications for the strike. They claimed that Hamas had used the area for military purposes, but the evidence suggested otherwise. The Israeli military’s top legal official promised a full investigation into the incident.
One of the biggest questions that remained unanswered was what caused the fire that resulted in so many deaths. The Israeli military suggested that secondary explosions or stored weapons might have been responsible, but aid workers and witnesses pointed to the presence of cooking fires and flammable gas canisters in the camp.
For Mr. al-Hila and others who survived the strike, the trauma and uncertainty lingered. As they tried to make sense of the tragedy that had befallen them, they grappled with the harsh reality of life in a conflict zone.
The aftermath of the strike on the displaced persons’ camp in Rafah serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of accountability in times of crisis. As the investigation into the incident continues, the survivors and the families of the victims are left to pick up the pieces and rebuild their shattered lives.
