Post by pieter on May 26, 2024 20:06:12 GMT -7
NOS News•
Yesterday, 11:34 PM
Dozens killed in Rafah tent camp, Israel says target was Hamas member
A large fire is raging in a tent camp for displaced people in Rafah at the Egyptian border in the southern Gaza Strip. Aid organizations and doctors speak of several dozen civilian deaths. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, the Israeli air force caused the fire by shooting at tents with civilians inside.
The Israeli army confirms it has carried out an airstrike in Rafah, which allegedly targeted a senior Hamas member. The army leadership states that the bombing was carried out "in accordance with international law" and that it was a "precision attack". The statement also said the military is "aware" of the allegation that it caused the fire, but that the "incident is under investigation."
At least 35 civilians have been killed, according to Hamas-controlled Gaza authorities. There are fears of more victims trapped in burning tents. Dozens of injured people reportedly suffered serious burns.
Emergency services with bodies of people who died in the camp
The tent camp is located in an area that the army designated as safe for civilians, the Palestinian Red Crescent said. Hamas has been furious at the attack and has called on all Palestinians outside Gaza to demonstrate against the violence.
"In light of the horrific Zionist massacre committed this evening by the criminal occupying army, we call on our people in the West Bank, Jerusalem, the Occupied Territories and abroad to rise en masse and march angrily against the ongoing massacre against our people," Hamas wrote in a statement.
Palestinian President Abbas speaks of "a horrible massacre" by Israel.
A Palestinian child, wounded in an Israeli strike on an area designated as safe, is assisted at a hospital in Rafah in southern Gaza, May 26, 2024 [Moaz Abu Taha/ Reuters]
International pressure
Israel is under heavy international pressure because of the offensive on Rafah. With the continued attacks on the southern city, Israel is ignoring the interim ruling of the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
This week the court spoke of a very serious situation in Rafah and pointed out the suffering of the civilian population. "The immense risks associated with an offensive in Rafah are beginning to materialize and will worsen further if the operation continues," the verdict said.
Israel insists the offensive is necessary to eliminate Hamas. Today, eight rockets were fired from Rafah at the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, according to the army. It was the first time in four months that the air raid siren sounded in Tel Aviv. “This shows that we must attack every place where Hamas operates,” said Minister Gantz.
