On Sunday, Israeli forces launched an offensive on a refugee camp in Rafah, Gaza Strip. The New York Times investigation revealed that American weapons were used in the attack, specifically GBU-39 bombs designed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. These bombs are known for their precision and are considered more suitable for targets in urban areas.
The images of the debris filmed by a Palestinian journalist helped identify the specific shape and serial number of the bombs. The known explosive mass of the bombs matched the 17 kg of explosive mass mentioned by Israeli forces in their official declarations. These findings have increased pressure on the US for providing military support to Israel, especially as international outrage over the new Israeli strikes continues to grow.
The Israeli bombardment on the displaced persons camp in Rafah resulted in a devastating fire that killed 45 people, according to the Hamas Ministry of Health. The exact toll is difficult to verify. The Israeli army claimed that the munitions used could not have solely caused the fire, suggesting that weapons stored nearby may have exploded after the strike. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the tragedy as a “tragic accident.”
Amidst the escalating violence in Rafah, with military tanks entering the town and street fighting continuing, UN Security Council members emphasized
