Tech Writer
Tragic Airstrike in Gaza’s Rafah Kills At Least 45, Including Women and Children
On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that a “tragic mistake” occurred during an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The strike, which targeted a camp housing displaced Palestinians, resulted in the deaths of at least 45 people, according to local officials.
The incident has further intensified international criticism of Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas, with even its closest allies expressing outrage at the civilian casualties. Israel maintains that it adheres to international law, despite facing scrutiny from the world’s top courts. Last week, one such court demanded that Israel halt its offensive in Rafah.
Initially, Israel’s military stated that it had conducted a precise airstrike on a Hamas compound, killing two senior militants. However, as details of the strike and the resulting fire emerged, the military announced the opening of an investigation into the civilian deaths.
Netanyahu, addressing Israel’s parliament, said, “Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night there was a tragic mistake. We are investigating the incident and will obtain a conclusion because this is our policy.”
Witnesses at the scene described the harrowing aftermath of the strike. Mohammed Abuassa, who rushed to the northwestern neighborhood of Tel al-Sultan, said rescuers “pulled out people who were in an unbearable state,” including children “in pieces” and young and elderly victims. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that among the 45 dead were at least 12 women, eight children, and three older adults, with three bodies burned beyond recognition.
In a separate incident, Egypt’s military reported that one of its soldiers was killed during an exchange of fire in the Rafah area. Both Israel and Egypt are investigating the matter.
Rafah, home to more than a million people—about half of Gaza’s population—has seen most of its residents flee since Israel launched what it called a limited incursion earlier this month. Hundreds of thousands are now living in squalid tent camps in and around the city.
The strike on Rafah has drawn condemnation from the international community, including Israel’s strongest supporters. The U.S. National Security Council called the images from the strike “heartbreaking,” while French President Emmanuel Macron demanded an immediate ceasefire and full respect for international law. Germany’s Foreign Office described the images of charred bodies, including children, as “unbearable” and called for a swift investigation by the Israeli army.
Israel’s military top legal official, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, said authorities are examining the strike in Rafah and that the military regrets the loss of civilian life. She also noted that Israel has launched 70 criminal investigations into possible violations of international law.
The ongoing conflict, triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, has led to the deaths of some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the seizure of around 250 hostages. Hamas still holds about 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with around 80% of its 2.3 million residents having fled their homes. Severe hunger is widespread, and U.N. officials report that parts of the territory are experiencing famine.
