An Israeli airstrike recently ignited a devastating fire in a tent camp in Rafah, Gaza, resulting in the deaths of 45 people.
The strike late Sunday night, predominantly affecting women, children, and the elderly. The aftermath saw families rushing to hospitals to prepare their loved ones for burial.
The neighbourhood of Tel Al-Sultan, where thousands had sought refuge following an Israeli ground offensive, was the scene of chaos as families were settling for the night. Umm Mohamed Al-Attar, a resident, recounted the terror of the sudden attack that set their shelters ablaze.
The incident prompted strong international reactions. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed outrage over the attacks, emphasizing the lack of safe zones for civilians in Rafah. Similarly, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged respect for the International Court of Justice ruling.
The ongoing conflict has seen significant casualties, with more than 36,000 Palestinians reported dead by Gaza’s health ministry. The violence escalated after attacks from Hamas-led militants on October 7, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages taken, as per Israeli reports.
The day after the airstrike, Rafah witnessed further violence with Israeli tanks intensifying bombardments, leading to additional fatalities, including two medical workers. The global community, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, has condemned the attacks, highlighting the severe impact on civilian lives and the potential setbacks for ceasefire and hostage exchange negotiations.
