Many people killed in an airstrike targeting Rafah.
The Israeli military is striking a Hamas base in Rafah, but accidentally targets a refugee camp instead, resulting in multiple casualties. Rescue efforts are ongoing amid confusion over the number of fatalities. The army has initiated an investigation.
In a reported Israeli attack on Rafah in the southern region of the Gaza Strip, tents housing displaced persons were allegedly struck, leading to at least 22 casualties. Rescuers say many more are trapped under collapsed structures. A representative for the Palestinian Red Crescent added that medical professionals report 28 fatalities. The exact number of people left in collapsed or burning tents within the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood, roughly two kilometers northwest of Rafah's center, remains undetermined.
The Israeli military acknowledged conducting the air strike, which supposedly targeted a Hamas facility utilizing precise weaponry. Intelligence sources suggest important Hamas terrorists had recently been at the location. The military is certain it abided by international law, also noting it is aware that civilians were harmed. Investigation procedures have been initiated. Concurrently, the Defense Ministry reported that Israel's Defense Minister, Joav Galant, was present in the Rafah area on Sunday to discuss the escalation of the military operations.
The Palestinian Red Crescent disclosed that the area under attack was labeled a humanitarian zone by Israel. Unlike Tal al-Sultan, other areas slated for evacuation before the offensive on Rafah in May were not touched. Prior to the commencement of the Israeli military campaign against Rafah, over half of the Gaza Strip population had sought refuge in the area, and tens of thousands remain there to this day, while many others have fled.
Just a few days prior, the International Court of Justice urged Israel to cease its operations in Rafah and granted South Africa's request partially. Though relevant court decisions are legally binding, the United Nations has no power to enforce them upon states. In defiance of the International Court's call, the Israeli military persisted with its operations in Rafah, as directed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The mandate for forces is to capture the city to eliminate remaining Hamas forces and fully prevail over the radical Islamic group.
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Source: www.ntv.de
