Israeli tanks advance to central Rafah as anger mounts over deadly strike on tent camp

Israeli forces continued their advance into the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Tuesday, despite global condemnation over a deadly airstrike that killed at least 45 people in a tent camp where displaced civilians were seeking shelter. The scene described by survivors was horrifying, with people running to escape the blaze that swept through the camp.

Witnesses recounted the deafening sound of the explosion and the desperate attempts to flee the burning tents in Rafah’s Tal al-Sultan neighborhood. One man, Mahmoud Diab Mouhamed Talal Elataar, lamented the loss of his entire family in the strike, saying, “No one is left.”

The Israeli official stated that the airstrike likely ignited a fuel tank, causing a deadly explosion and fire that engulfed the camp. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident tragic and promised a full investigation into the deaths of civilians.

The attack has left Israel isolated on the world stage, with the United Nations Security Council convening an emergency meeting and a trio of European countries recognizing an independent Palestinian state. The International Court of Justice had recently ordered Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah due to the immediate risk to Palestinians.

As the conflict escalates, Palestinians in Rafah are fleeing to seek safety further north in Gaza. Abou Tarek Elkaferna, who experienced the terror of the strike, expressed disbelief at the loss of the safe zone and the need to flee for safety. The ongoing violence has left many questioning when the war will come to an end.