Israeli airstrikes killed at least 35 Palestinians in Rafah, Gaza Strip, officials said. The strikes wounded dozens in an area designated for the displaced.
The Israeli military claimed its air force struck a Hamas compound in Rafah and that the strike was carried out with “precise ammunition and on the basis of precise intelligence.”
It said it took out Hamas’ chief of staff for the West Bank and another senior official behind deadly attacks on Israelis.
“The IDF is aware of reports indicating that as a result of the strike and fire that was ignited several civilians in the area were harmed. The incident is under review.”
Ashraf Al-Qidra, the health ministry spokesman in Gaza, said 35 people died in the attack. Dozens more, mostly women and children, were wounded.
The strike occurred in Tel Al-Sultan, western Rafah, where thousands sought shelter. Many had fled the eastern areas after Israeli forces began a ground offensive.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri called the Rafah attack a “massacre.” He held the United States responsible for aiding Israel with weapons and money.
“The air strikes burnt the tents, the tents are melting and the people’s bodies are also melting,” said one of the residents who arrived at the Kuwaiti hospital in Rafah.
Furthermore, the Israeli airstrikes in Rafah have drawn widespread condemnation from various global leaders and organizations. Many have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the resumption of peace talks.
In addition, analysts warn that the continued violence could destabilize the broader Middle East region, potentially leading to further escalations.
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