- By Vivek Raj
- Mon, 27 May 2024 07:57 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Hours after Hamas claimed responsibility for launching a “large rocket barrage” at Tel Aviv, Israel's military conducted airstrikes on a camp for displaced people in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, late Sunday. The health ministry in the Hamas-run territory reported that the strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 35 Palestinians, including many women and children, and left dozens injured.
The Israeli military stated that the airstrikes were based on "precise intelligence" and targeted "legitimate targets under international law," aiming at senior Hamas officials Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar, who were allegedly responsible for operations in the West Bank. The strikes reportedly hit a center operated by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, described by the Hamas-run government media office in Gaza as a "horrific massacre."
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaos and devastation. A survivor told Al Jazeera, “I was walking and looking at my phone when the area was struck. I had no idea what had become of my family.” Another survivor described the aftermath, stating, “They burned people alive.”
The Israeli military acknowledged reports of civilian casualties and stated that the incident is under review. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported a significant number of fatalities and injuries, transporting numerous victims from the scene.
This incident occurred amid escalating tensions, with Israeli ground operations intensifying in Rafah since early May, despite international concerns for civilian safety. The escalation followed an International Court of Justice ruling ordering Israel to halt operations in Rafah to protect civilians.
In response to the airstrikes, Hamas called for Palestinians to "rise up and march" against the Israeli military's actions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the offensive and held a war cabinet meeting to discuss the situation.
The ongoing conflict has seen nearly 36,000 Palestinians killed since the beginning of the Israeli operation, which was initiated following a Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities on October 7, resulting in around 1,200 Israeli casualties and over 250 hostages taken by Hamas.