Deadly Attack on Displaced Gaza Camp Leaves 45 Dead, Sparking Controversy and Escalation in Region

A deadly attack occurred in a displaced persons camp near Rafah in the Gaza Strip just days after the International Court of Justice urged Israel to halt its offensive. Reports show images of fire, destruction and casualties following an Israeli air strike on a Hamas complex in Rafah. The Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza reported at least 45 dead, including women and children, with dozens more injured. Doctors Without Borders took in dozens of injured and over 15 dead following the airstrike.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the attack a “tragic mistake” and vowed to continue negotiations on a new hostage agreement with Hamas. However, Hamas announced it would step back from negotiations following the attack, which hit a designated humanitarian zone for evacuees. The Red Crescent confirmed that the area was indeed a humanitarian zone, expanding with the onset of Israel’s offensive on Rafah.

Days after the attack, Hamas fired rockets at Tel Aviv, injuring two people. This escalation came after the ICJ’s ruling demanding an immediate end to Israel’s military operation in Rafah to protect civilians. The Israeli government expressed intentions to continue the offensive, despite growing international pressure following the deadly attack in the displaced persons camp. Leaders from Italy, France and Germany called for an immediate ceasefire and adherence to international humanitarian law.