Israeli Airstrike on Palestinian Tent Camp in Rafah Kills Dozens
In a tragic turn of events, an Israeli airstrike on a makeshift tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah, Gaza, has resulted in the deaths of at least 45 people and left 249 wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The strike, which took place on Sunday night, was reportedly aimed at a Hamas compound, as stated by the Israeli military.
The aftermath of the airstrike has left a devastating impact on the community, with reports of civilians being harmed and trapped in fires at the site of the strikes. The Palestine Red Crescent Society has been working tirelessly to transport victims to medical facilities in Rafah, where hospitals are already overwhelmed.
The strike hit the Tal as Sultan area of Rafah, within a designated humanitarian zone where Palestinian civilians had been instructed to seek shelter ahead of the Israeli ground offensive. The assault on Rafah has drawn international attention, with the International Court of Justice ordering Israel to halt its military offensive in the area.
Witnesses on the ground, such as Bilal al-Sapti, a construction worker in Rafah, described the chaos and destruction caused by the airstrike. He recounted how his tent was torn apart by shrapnel, but thankfully his family escaped unharmed. Dr. James Smith, a British emergency specialist working in Rafah, expressed shock at the level of devastation and injuries caused by the attack.
The Israeli military has stated that the airstrike is under review, with around 70 criminal investigations opened into potential misconduct during the war. Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, the military’s top legal official, acknowledged the seriousness of the incident in Rafah and expressed regret for any harm to civilians.
As the situation in Rafah continues to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring the developments and calling for an end to the violence to prevent further civilian casualties.
