Rafah Massacre: Israeli Airstrikes Kill at Least 40 Displaced Palestinians
The incident occurred in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood, a refuge for thousands who had evacuated the eastern parts of Rafah following the initiation of an Israeli ground offensive more than two weeks prior.
The attack came merely days after the International Court of Justice directed the Israeli regime to cease its military actions in the area immediately.
A statement from the Gaza government's media office condemned the strikes on the Unrwa's Barkasat displacement center, labelling the event as a deliberate and intense "massacre" by Israeli forces.
"The Israeli occupation committed a horrific massacre by bombarding intensively and intentionally” the center, the office said in a statement, referring to the UN Palestinian refugee agency.
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The Palestinian presidency echoed this sentiment, alleging that the displacement center was specifically targeted, thereby defying international resolutions.
"The perpetration of this heinous massacre by the Israeli occupation forces is a challenge to all international legitimacy resolutions," the presidency said in a statement, accusing Israeli forces of "deliberately targeting" the tents of displaced people.
According to Gaza's civil defence agency, the strikes not only resulted in casualties but also affected an estimated 100,000 displaced residents living in the vicinity.
Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, described the attack to a "massacre" and implicated the United States for its support to Israel.
Local reports from residents and the Kuwaiti hospital in Rafah detailed the devastating effects of the airstrikes, describing melting tents and severe injuries among the people.
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The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) indicated that one of its field hospitals was overwhelmed with victims seeking treatment for injuries and burns. The influx of casualties was also felt by other medical facilities in the area.
Further reports from Rafah indicated additional strikes on Sunday night, with the Kuwait Specialised Hospital confirming the arrival of three deceased individuals, including a pregnant woman.
Despite global concerns for civilian safety, the Israeli regime commenced a ground operation in Rafah earlier in May.
Source: Agencies
