According to Palestinian health workers, Israeli airstrikes on Sunday resulted in the deaths of at least 35 individuals in Rafah, a southern city in Gaza. The strikes targeted tents used by displaced people, with reports of numerous individuals trapped amidst the burning debris. Gaza’s Health Ministry indicated that the majority of the casualties were women and children, with dozens more sustaining injuries.
The airstrikes occurred two days following the International Court of Justice’s directive for Israel to halt its military operation in Rafah. Prior to Israel’s recent intervention, over half of Gaza’s population had taken refuge in Rafah. Despite the incursion, tens of thousands of individuals still reside in the region, while many others have fled.
The video footage from the site of the largest airstrike displayed extensive damage. Israel’s military confirmed the strike, specifying that it targeted a Hamas facility and resulted in the deaths of two senior Hamas militants. The military also stated it was investigating reports of civilian casualties. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was present in Rafah on Sunday and was briefed on the ongoing operations there, according to his office. A spokesperson from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society mentioned that the death toll might rise as search and rescue efforts continued in Rafah’s Tal al-Sultan neighborhood, located around two kilometers northwest of the city center.