Explosion at Gaza refugee camp leaves dozens dead and injured
GAZA — A blast at a refugee camp in the Rafah area of Gaza has resulted in multiple casualties, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have claimed responsibility for carrying out an airstrike targeting a Hamas compound in the same area, although they are currently reviewing the incident.
Earlier on the same day, Hamas launched eight rockets from Rafah towards Tel Aviv, marking the first long-range attacks on the city since January.
Videos from the southern Gaza Strip captured a large explosion and intense fires burning in the area.
Hamas reported that the Israeli airstrike hit a camp for displaced Palestinians northwest of Rafah, away from recent military operations in a designated humanitarian safe zone, resulting in casualties including women and children.
The IDF stated that they targeted Hamas militants in the area and acknowledged reports that the strike had caused harm to civilians by igniting a fire. They claimed to have used precision weapons against legitimate targets but are currently reviewing the incident.
In a statement, the IDF announced the “elimination” of two senior Hamas figures in the airstrike in northwest Rafah.
The Hamas-run health ministry reported 35 fatalities and numerous injuries as a result of the Israeli strike.
Rescue efforts are ongoing in Rafah’s Tal al-Sultan neighborhood, approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) northwest of the city center with the death toll expected to rise, according to a Palestinian Red Crescent Society spokesperson.
Witnesses described the devastation in Tal Al-Sultan, with one eyewitness stating that the entire neighborhood had been “burnt”.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, air raid sirens sounded around Tel Aviv as central Israel came under attack by Hamas rockets fired from close to Rafah.
The rocket barrage underscores the persistent threat that Hamas poses to Israel, despite no reported injuries from the attacks.
Israel’s military offensive in Rafah continues, defying the International Court of Justice’s ruling to halt the operation.
The recent rocket attack precedes upcoming ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, scheduled to resume next week.
The military wing of Hamas justified their actions as a response to “the massacre of civilians”.
Israel initiated an offensive in Rafah three weeks ago, aiming to dismantle remaining Hamas battalions and locate Israeli hostages believed to be held in the town.
Over 800,000 Palestinians have fled from Rafah since the start of the offensive, with 1.5 million seeking refuge in the area from the conflict elsewhere in Gaza.
The military campaign in Gaza began following an attack by Hamas-led gunmen on Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. — BBC
