Gaza officials reported that Israeli airstrikes targeting a centre for displaced people resulted in a significant number of casualties near the southern city of Rafah on Sunday. The health ministry in Gaza, which is governed by Hamas, stated that the strikes led to the loss of life of 35 individuals and left numerous others wounded, predominantly children and women.
According to the Hamas-run government media office in Gaza, the strike hit a centre operated by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees near Rafah, described as a “horrific massacre.”
The Israeli military, on the other hand, stated that its aircraft “struck a Hamas compound in Rafah,” resulting in the deaths of Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar, identified as senior officials of the Palestinian Hamas group in the occupied West Bank. Additionally, the Israeli army acknowledged reports indicating civilian casualties resulting from the strike and ensuing fire, asserting that the incident is currently under review.
Israel’s army confirmed that at least eight rockets were fired towards central areas of the country from Rafah, with Tel Aviv being targeted for the first time in months.
The conflict has recently centred on Rafah, where Israel initiated a ground operation in early May despite widespread opposition due to concerns for civilians seeking refuge there.
The Palestinian Red Crescent disclosed that its ambulance teams transported a significant number of casualties from the Rafah strikes. The Palestinian presidency in the West Bank condemned the Israeli forces’ actions as a “heinous massacre,” accusing them of deliberately targeting displaced people’s tents.
The Gaza Civil Defense Agency reported that the Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths and injuries of at least 50 individuals in the area, where approximately 100,000 displaced people reside.
Hamas called on Palestinians to “rise up and march” against what it referred to as the Israeli army’s “massacre” in Rafah.
The Israeli military’s offensive continues amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure a hostage-release agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to pursue the offensive, emphasizing his opposition to Hamas’s demands for an end to the conflict triggered by the group’s previous attacks.
International condemnation and pressure on Israel have escalated, with recent developments including the US pushing for renewed efforts to halt the war and the European Union announcing its intention to recognize the State of Palestine. Meanwhile, the families of hostages held by Hamas have urged PM Benjamin Netanyahu to secure their release, adding to the diplomatic challenges faced by Israel.
In response to the Israeli strikes, Hamas’s armed wing claimed responsibility for launching rockets towards Tel Aviv, citing retaliation for what it termed “Zionist massacres against civilians.”
The situation remains tense as the conflict persists, with humanitarian concerns mounting in Gaza amidst the ongoing hostilities.
