A devastating Israeli airstrike on Rafah late Sunday resulted in the deaths of at least 35 people, local officials reported. The attack targeted an area where displaced people were sheltering in tents, which ignited a fire that rapidly spread through the camp. Disturbing images and videos showed the camp engulfed in flames, with Palestinians fleeing for safety and scenes of severe casualties, which included severely burned bodies.
The incident drew widespread condemnation from United Nations officials and Arab leaders, as it occurred just days after the U.N.’s top court ordered Israel to cease its offensive on Rafah, where over a million people had sought refuge. Qatar warned that this attack could hinder ongoing cease-fire negotiations, while Israel’s military prosecutor described the situation as “very difficult” and confirmed an investigation was underway.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the strike aimed to eliminate two senior Hamas leaders and acknowledged the reports of the fire affecting civilian areas. The Gaza health ministry confirmed that most of the victims in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood were women and children, with first responders indicating that the death toll could rise as many remained trapped in the blaze. The Palestinian Civil Defense in Rafah reported that the death toll would increase to at least 40. Muhammad Al-Mughir, a spokesman for the Palestinian Civil Defense, called the attack the largest massacre in Rafah in months, as the area hit was a designated “humanitarian area” adjacent to U.N. warehouses.
Survivors recounting their horrific experiences:
Hala Siam described how her family was forced to flee their apartment when windows shattered from the impact. “They said it is safe,” she lamented, which reflects the lack of safety anywhere in Rafah. The IDF maintained that its operations targeted legitimate Hamas military leaders responsible for organizing terrorist attacks in the West Bank and used “precise munitions” based on accurate intelligence. The military expressed regret for any harm to civilians, and Israel’s top military prosecutor confirmed an ongoing investigation.
Hamas condemned the strike as a horrific massacre but did not confirm the death of its commanders. Hamas’ military wing launched a missile barrage into Israel that targeted Tel Aviv earlier on Sunday, and the IDF intercepted several projectiles from Rafah. The attack intensified international outrage, with mediators Qatar and Egypt condemning the assault as a violation of international law.
Israeli officials expressed hope for renewed talks, which followed discussions with CIA Director William Burns in Europe. The U.S. National Security Council is currently gathering more information on the strike. President Joe Biden had previously cautioned Israel against a full-scale assault on Rafah and threatened to suspend arms shipments if a major offensive proceeded. The International Court of Justice reported that 800,000 people had been displaced since Israel’s ground operations began earlier this month, with many still in the area.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting scrutiny over Israel’s conduct in the war, which began after the October 7 Hamas attack. The conflict has resulted in over 35,000 deaths in Gaza in the past seven months, which exacerbates dire humanitarian conditions.