Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war against Hamas despite international condemnation of an air strike that killed scores of Palestinians in Rafah on Sunday.
The strike, which resulted in at least 45 deaths according to the Hamas-run health ministry, left hundreds more with severe burns, fractures, and shrapnel wounds. Speaking in the Israeli parliament, Netanyahu described the incident as a “tragic mishap” but emphasized his commitment to achieving all goals before ending the war.
The UN Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss the Rafah strike, with UN Secretary General António Guterres condemning the attack as a tragedy that killed innocent civilians seeking shelter.
Despite mounting criticism, Israel has pledged to continue its invasion of Rafah, with officials arguing that the attack was in compliance with international law. The UN’s human rights chief expressed concern over the civilian casualties and questioned Israel’s methods of warfare.
Videos from the scene in Rafah showed a large explosion and intense fires burning, with Médecins Sans Frontières reporting at least 28 dead and 180 wounded, including women and children. The organization rejected Israeli claims of a precise strike, citing the attack on a populated camp in a supposed “safe zone.”
The US expressed sympathy for the victims but reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself, calling for precautions to protect civilians. Israeli officials are investigating the incident to determine what went wrong in the “precision strike” that resulted in civilian casualties.
Despite the tragedy, Netanyahu remains committed to achieving “total victory” in Rafah, signaling that the campaign will continue. The air strike has further damaged Israel’s image and raised questions about the planning and execution of the operation.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging both sides to prioritize the protection of civilians and seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing violence.
