The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, has expressed grave concern over reports of violence against families seeking refuge in Rafah, a city located at Gaza Strip’s southern extreme. The information emerging from Rafah regarding attacks on these families has been characterised as “appalling”.
Mass casualties, including children and women, have been reported. Gaza has become a living nightmare, the evidence of which was witnessed again in the graphic photos from last night.
On Sunday, Palestinian health and emergency services officials reported that around 35 Palestinians had been killed and numerous others injured due to Israeli air strikes in Rafah, an area known for accommodating the displaced.
An Israeli military statement confirmed an air strike on a Hamas base in Rafah, with the matter under ongoing investigation. The military prosecutor of Israel categorised the strike as an extremely serious issue, stating that a post-incident inquiry was in progress by the armed forces.
This attack happened a couple of days after the International Court of Justice issued a ruling that was widely interpreted as a directive for Israel to stop its operations to protect civilian lives.
The airstrike hit a densely populated area in the northwest of Rafah filled with tents of individuals fleeing from the city’s violence. The Biden administration previously warned against targeting the city due to the potential risk to civilian life. Images on social media depict fires spreading among tents while people attempt to rescue the dead and injured.
“Our teams are striving to rescue as many lives as possible,” the International Committee of the Red Cross announced in a statement. They further highlighted the urgent need for civilian protection while confirming the treatment of strike victims at a nearby field hospital.
Shockingly, the area targeted was not within the evacuation zone ordered by the Israeli military in anticipation of an assault on Rafah. As a result, the area attracted many individuals escaping from regions considered significantly more hazardous.
These recent Israeli strikes garnered widespread international criticism.
Qatar expressed concern that the Israeli assault on Rafah might obstruct potential mediation initiatives for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. Saudi Arabia, along with Italy, also censured the attack on Rafah, particularly the targeting of displaced Palestinians’ tents situated next to Unrwa’s warehouses.
“The circumstances grow increasingly challenging, as the Palestinian citizens find themselves in an oppressive situation, disregarding the rights of harmless adults and children, who bear no connection to Hamas. This is no longer defensible,” stated Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. “We observe the scenario with a sense of hopelessness,” commented the agencies.