Rafah, Gaza Strip — An Israeli airstrike on a camp for displaced people in Rafah on Sunday has resulted in the deaths of at least 45 individuals, according to the Gaza Health Ministry and Palestinian medics. The attack targeted a designated “safe zone” in Tal al-Sultan, northwest of Rafah, where displaced families had sought refuge.

Casualties and Aftermath

The strike ignited a large fire at the site, with videos shared on social media showing paramedics and firefighters struggling to manage the aftermath. The area included a large container used as a shelter for dozens of families, surrounded by hundreds of tents. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that most of the casualties were women and children, and local hospitals were overwhelmed by the number of injured.

Israeli Military’s Response

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the strike aimed at a Hamas compound in Rafah, using “precise munitions” based on intelligence indicating Hamas’ presence in the area. The IDF confirmed the deaths of Yassin Rabia, commander of Hamas’ leadership in Judea and Samaria, and Khaled Nagar, a senior official in the Hamas wing for the same regions. The military acknowledged the harm to civilians and stated that the incident is under review.

Attack on Tel Aviv

The strike followed a rocket attack by Hamas on Tel Aviv, with sirens sounding in the city and parts of central Israel. The IDF reported that eight rockets were fired from Rafah, and some were intercepted. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack. This incident marks the first rocket attack on the city since late January.

Gazan authorities, including the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), highlighted that the targeted area had been designated by Israel as a “safe zone,” where displaced individuals were directed to seek shelter. The Gaza government media office accused Israel of attacking these civilians despite the safe zone designation.

International Response and Condemnation

Hamas condemned the attack as a “massacre” and accused the US administration and President Joe Biden of enabling the strike through support for Israel. The group called for immediate international intervention. Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) expressed horror, stating the strike demonstrated that “nowhere is safe,” and reiterated calls for a ceasefire. The Palestinian Authority urged the international community to intervene against what it termed crimes against the Palestinian people.

Legal and Humanitarian Implications

The strike occurred days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah, citing the disastrous humanitarian situation. The ICJ demanded that Israel open the Rafah crossing for humanitarian assistance. Over a million Palestinians, many already displaced by previous offensives, had been sheltering in Rafah before the recent operations, facing an increasingly dire situation with limited safe options available.

So What now?

The deadly strike in Rafah underscores the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the intense international scrutiny on Israel’s military actions. As diplomatic pressure mounts, the need for immediate and sustained intervention becomes ever more critical to prevent further civilian casualties and suffering in the conflict-ridden region.