Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Leaves 35 Dead, Including Women and Children, Amid Escalating Tensions
Desk Report, May 27, 2024: The recent Israeli airstrike in Gaza, as reported by CNN, has left a devastating toll, with at least 35 people dead and numerous others wounded. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, the majority of the casualties were women and children, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The strike targeted a camp for displaced people, as confirmed by Gaza officials and the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Social media videos captured the chaotic aftermath, showing a large fire and emergency responders scrambling to assist victims.
Gaza’s government office revealed that the area hit by the airstrike had been designated as a safe zone by the Israeli occupation army. However, when displaced individuals sought refuge there, they came under attack, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) acknowledged the strike, stating it was aimed at a Hamas compound in Rafah. The IDF emphasized that the targets were legitimate under international law and based on precise intelligence regarding Hamas activity in the area.
Two high-profile Hamas figures, Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar, were among those killed in the strike, according to IDF reports. The IDF detailed their involvement in numerous terrorist activities, underscoring the military’s objectives in targeting them.
The airstrike followed rocket attacks from southern Gaza into Tel Aviv and central Israel, the first such incident since January. Hamas claimed responsibility for the rockets, citing them as a response to Israeli actions against civilians.
Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant visited Rafah to assess the situation and commend IDF troops for their efforts in dismantling Hamas and securing the return of hostages held in Gaza. The airstrikes occurred shortly after the United Nations’ top court ordered Israel to halt its operations in southern Gaza, citing concerns about the humanitarian impact on the Palestinian population.
The International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) order, though legally binding, lacks enforcement capabilities, raising questions about its effectiveness in mitigating the crisis. Nonetheless, it represents another attempt to address the ongoing violence and suffering in Gaza, underscoring the international community’s efforts to intervene and uphold humanitarian principles.
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