An Israeli airstrike in the Gazan city of Rafah has resulted in the deaths of two Hamas officials as well as dozens of civilians, though the exact number of casualties remains unknown. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the strike targeted a Hamas compound in Rafah where “significant Hamas terrorists were operating.” The IDF cited intelligence indicating Hamas’ use of the area, stating that the strike was carried out against legitimate targets under international law. Two top Hamas officials, Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar, were among those killed in the airstrike. Both men were involved in numerous terrorist attacks in the early 2000s targeting Israeli civilians and soldiers. While the IDF acknowledged reports of civilian casualties, it stated that the incident is currently under review.
Following the airstrike, Palestinian health and civil emergency service officials reported that at least 35 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded as a result of the attack. A spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society noted that the death toll is likely to rise as search and rescue efforts continue in Rafah’s Tal al-Sultan neighborhood. The area was designated a humanitarian zone by Israel, though it was not included in the recent evacuation orders issued by the military. Footage from the scene showed significant destruction in the aftermath of the strike. The airstrike occurred shortly after Hamas launched a rocket barrage from Gaza into Israel, setting off air raid sirens as far away as Tel Aviv. While there were no immediate reports of casualties in Israel, it marked the first long-range rocket attack from Gaza since January. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack, with Israel intercepting a number of the projectiles and destroying the launcher.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant casualties, with nearly 36,000 Palestinians killed according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel attributes civilian deaths to Hamas due to the militants operating in densely populated residential areas. In Gaza, around 80% of the population has been displaced from their homes, severe hunger is widespread, and parts of the territory are facing famine. Hamas initiated the conflict with an attack inside Israel in October, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the seizure of hostages. Despite a cease-fire last year that saw the release of most hostages, around 100 individuals remain captive along with the remains of approximately 30 others. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated the intention to take control of Rafah to eliminate Hamas’ remaining battalions and achieve total victory over the militants who have regrouped in other areas of Gaza.
The airstrike in Rafah occurred two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to cease its military offensive in the region, where a significant portion of Gaza’s population sought shelter following Israel’s incursion earlier in the month. Tens of thousands of people remain in the area while others have fled, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The conflict has escalated tensions between Israel and Hamas, with both sides continuing to engage in violence and retaliation. The ongoing violence has resulted in significant loss of life, displacement, and humanitarian crisis in the region. The international community continues to monitor the situation and call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
