Following the launch of eight rockets by Hamas from Rafah towards Tel Aviv, marking the first long-range assault on the city since January, the Israel Defense Forces announced an airstrike on a Hamas compound in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip, as reported by BBC.
Despite the Israeli military’s assertion that the operation was conducted using “precise ammunition based on accurate intelligence,” the airstrikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 35 Palestinians and left many others injured, according to Reuter
Rafah has been identified as a refuge for those who escaped the northern regions of Gaza following Israel’s offensive against Hamas that started last October. The health ministry in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, confirmed the incident and reported that many people were killed and wounded in an explosion at a refugee camp located in Rafah, according to a BBC report.
Ashraf Al-Qidra, the spokesperson for the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, mentioned that the majority of the casualties were women and children.
IDF Announces ‘Incident Is Under Review’
After the explosion, the IDF acknowledged awareness of the casualty reports and stated: “The IDF is cognizant of reports suggesting that several civilians in the vicinity were injured due to the strike and ensuing fire. The situation is currently being investigated.”
According to a BBC report, footage from the southern Gaza Strip depicted a large blast and fierce flames.
Hamas reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted a camp in the Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood, where displaced Palestinians had sought refuge, situated in the north-west of Rafah. This area was considered a humanitarian safe zone, far from recent military activities.
On the other hand, the IDF claimed the strike was aimed at Hamas militants in the region and acknowledged reports suggesting that the attack had caused a fire, resulting in civilian casualties.
On Sunday, air raid sirens blared across Tel Aviv as Hamas launched rockets from near Rafah, targeting central Israel.
According to BBC reports, all eight rockets fired by Hamas were either intercepted by Israeli air defense systems or landed in open fields.
In defiance of the International Court of Justice’s ruling on Friday to cease hostilities, Israel has persisted with its offensive in Rafah.
Although there were no reports of injuries or fatalities in Israel, the rocket attack underscores the danger Hamas presents to Israeli citizens.
This incident also highlights the difficulties encountered by the Israeli military as it advances deeper into southern Gaza to eliminate Hamas from its “final significant bastion.”
The rocket assault by Hamas occurred just before additional ceasefire talks with Israel, which are slated to continue next week.
Commenting on the attack, Hamas’s military faction declared it was a reaction to “the massacre of civilians.”
Believing that Israeli hostages are still being held in Rafah, Israel launched an offensive in the city approximately three weeks ago, pledging to eliminate the remaining Hamas forces concealed there.
The UN reports that over 800,000 Palestinians have fled Rafah since the beginning of the offensive. Additionally, around 1.5 million people sought refuge there from conflicts occurring in other parts of Gaza.
Israel initiated its military operations in Gaza following a deadly attack by Hamas-led gunmen on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 252 hostages, who were taken back to Gaza.
According to the health ministry operated by Hamas in Gaza, nearly 36,000 Palestinians have perished in the conflict since then.
