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Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Kills Dozens of Innocent Women and Children in Rafah ‘Safe Zone

When will this terror on women and children end?

Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Kills Innocent Women and Children in Rafah 'Safe Zone

Israel has defended its airstrike in the Gazan city of Rafah, which reportedly resulted in significant civilian casualties, as a “precise strike” aimed at two senior Hamas leaders.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted the Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood in Rafah, killing at least 35 people and injuring dozens, predominantly women and children, according to the health ministry of the Hamas-controlled Palestinian enclave.

Footage from the scene, purportedly designated as a safe zone for displaced civilians, showed extensive devastation with fires engulfing a tent camp.

A spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society cautioned that many people were trapped in the burning debris, potentially increasing the death toll.

Videos depicted rescuers pulling severely burnt survivors and scorched bodies from the ruins, as first responders struggled to assist the injured and extinguish the flames.

Earlier this month, the IDF had ordered a partial evacuation of the neighborhood, but three blocks were still marked as safe, prompting people to seek refuge there, according to Al Jazeera.

The Israeli military confirmed the airstrike, stating it targeted a Hamas compound and successfully killed two “senior terrorists” involved in planning and executing multiple attacks that resulted in IDF casualties.

“The strike was conducted against legitimate targets under international law, using precise munitions based on accurate intelligence,” the Israeli military stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The IDF acknowledged reports of civilian harm due to the strike and ensuing fire, noting that the “incident is under review.”

Last week, the United Nations’ top judicial body, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), ordered Israel to immediately cease its operation in Rafah. The court expressed skepticism that Israel’s evacuation efforts and related measures were adequate to “alleviate the immense risk” to civilians.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, when the Gaza-based group launched a surprise raid into southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. According to the enclave’s health authorities, more than 35,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed so far in the IDF’s operation against the militants.

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Written by Layla Hadid

Layla Hadid is a passionate freelance journalist hailing from Midrand, known for her insightful coverage and compelling storytelling. With a keen eye for uncovering the stories that matter, Layla has made a name for herself in the journalism landscape of South Africa. Her work spans a variety of topics, from local community issues to broader, socially impactful stories that resonate with a diverse audience. Layla's dedication to truth and transparency has earned her respect and admiration among peers and readers alike.

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