Israeli airstrikes claim lives of 35 in Rafah, displacing many

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah have resulted in the deaths of at least 35 people, with many of them being displaced civilians, according to Palestinian medics. The attacks, which took place on Sunday, targeted tents for displaced people, leaving numerous others trapped in flaming debris.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that the majority of the casualties were women and children, with dozens more wounded in the strikes. The tragic incident occurred just two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah, where a significant portion of Gaza’s population had sought shelter before the incursion earlier this month.

Footage from the scene of the largest airstrike showed extensive destruction, with Israel’s army confirming the strike and claiming it targeted a Hamas installation, resulting in the deaths of two senior Hamas militants. The army also stated that it was investigating reports of civilian casualties.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant was present in Rafah on Sunday and was briefed on the ongoing operations in the area. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society indicated that the death toll is likely to rise as search and rescue efforts continue in Rafah’s Tal al-Sultan neighborhood.

The airstrikes came after Hamas launched a barrage of rockets from Gaza, triggering air raid sirens in Tel Aviv for the first time in months. Southern Gaza has been largely cut off from aid since Israel’s limited incursion into Rafah on May 6, leading to over 1 million Palestinians fleeing the city. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with severe hunger widespread and UN officials warning of famine in parts of the territory.