At least 35 people were killed and dozens more injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Sunday, CNN reported, citing the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza. The strikes predominantly affected women and children, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. “There is no hospital in Rafah with enough capacity to take this number of killed and injured, causing confusion among ambulance teams on where to transfer them,” the ministry stated earlier.
Gaza officials and the Palestine Red Crescent Society disclosed that the area hit by the airstrike was a camp for displaced people. Social media videos captured the aftermath showing a large fire at the scene, with paramedics and firefighters engaged in rescue operations. The targeted area included a large container sheltering dozens of families, surrounded by hundreds of tents.
Gaza’s government office released a statement saying, “The Israeli occupation army had designated these areas as safe zones, calling on citizens and displaced persons to head to these safe areas.” It detailed that when displaced people sought refuge, they were subsequently attacked, confirming reports by CNN.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the strikes, stating that a “Hamas compound in Rafah” was targeted, where significant Hamas terrorists were allegedly operating. In its initial statement, the IDF acknowledged reports of civilian casualties and initiated a review of the incident. The IDF’s post on X reinforced this, claiming, “The strike was carried out against legitimate targets under international law, through the use of precise munitions and on the basis of precise intelligence that indicated Hamas’ use of the area.”
Highlighting the high-profile targets, the IDF announced the elimination of Hamas’ Chief of Staff in Judea and Samaria, along with another senior Hamas official. The IDF detailed their identities and roles: Yassin Rabia, who managed Hamas’ terrorist operations and finances in the region, and Khaled Nagar, a senior official directing shooting attacks and other terrorist activities.
. These eliminations followed rocket sirens in Tel Aviv and central Israel, marking the first such event since January. Rockets fired from southern Gaza into Israel were intercepted by the IDF.
According to CNN reports, Hamas claimed responsibility for the rocket attacks, aiming them as retaliation for what they described as Israel’s “massacres against civilians.” Amidst this escalation, Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant visited Rafah for an operational update. He commended IDF troops for their “dedication and sacrifices” since the initial Hamas attack on October 7, emphasizing current efforts to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
This recent wave of Israeli airstrikes on Rafah comes in the wake of a ruling by the United Nations’ top court, ordering Israel to cease its operations in the area. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague issued this directive following allegations from South Africa accusing Israel of genocide and highlighting the “immense risk” to the Palestinian population.
Judge Nawaf Salam, president of the ICJ, articulated, “Israel must immediately halt its military offensive and any other action in the Rafah Governorate which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.” This ruling marks the third instance this year where the ICJ has intervened to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, it is imperative to note that while ICJ orders are legally binding, the court lacks the enforcement power to compel compliance.
Tragically, these developments underscore the enduring and escalating violence in Gaza, leaving behind a trail of devastation and fueling a growing humanitarian disaster. While international bodies continue to call for restraint and dialogue, the volatile situation on the ground shows little sign of abating, with ordinary civilians bearing the brunt of this protracted conflict.
