Explosions at Gaza ‘safe-zone’ camp leave dozens dead and injured

Explosions and fires tore through a camp for displaced persons in Rafah, Gaza, late on Sunday, leaving at least 35 people dead and dozens injured. The Israeli military claimed to have struck a “Hamas compound” in Rafah around the same time, but was investigating the specific incident at a UN-run “safe zone” in the city’s Tal as-Sultan neighborhood.

Palestinian eyewitnesses and social media videos showed fires engulfing makeshift tents as survivors struggled to rescue those trapped in the flames. This tragic event came after the Palestinian militant group Hamas fired long-range rockets at central Israel, including Tel Aviv, for the first time in months.

The Israeli offensive in Rafah, described as the last stronghold for Hamas in the territory, has displaced over 1.2 million people who sought refuge in the city. The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt military operations in Rafah and reopen the Rafah crossing to Egypt for aid delivery, citing “disastrous” conditions for those still sheltering in the area.

Despite international pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the offensive until achieving “total victory” against Hamas. Israeli forces have seized control of a significant portion of Gaza’s frontier with Egypt and are pushing deeper into Rafah to eliminate Hamas battalions and cut off smuggling routes.

Negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas and a potential ceasefire deal have resumed, with high-level meetings in Paris involving Israeli and foreign officials. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with aid deliveries from Egypt and international organizations crucial for the survival of those affected by the conflict.