The IDF claims to have struck “legitimate targets” amid reports of at least 35 civilian deaths
The Israel Defense Forces said its air force conducted a “precise strike” in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, eliminating two senior Hamas leaders. However, according to local health officials, dozens of people were killed and injured in the area allegedly designated as a safe zone for displaced civilians.
Israeli airstrikes on Sunday hit Rafah’s Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood, killing at least 35 people and injuring scores more, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry of the Hamas-controlled Palestinian enclave.
Footage from the scene showed widespread devastation, as blaze ripped through the tent camp. A spokesperson with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society warned that with many people trapped in flaming debris the final death toll may rise.
Ne détournez pas le regard, retweeter, liker tout ce qui ce passe à Rafah c’est un GÉNOCIDE, déplacer des humains dans un endroit et les tuer c’est UN GÉNOCIDE ne laissez plus les autres donner un autre nom à ce qui se passe pic.twitter.com/vsJZ9dtRXs
— syl🦦 (@syylllia) May 26, 2024
Several harrowing videos showed rescuers pulling badly burnt victims and scorched bodies from the ruins, as first responders struggled to help the survivors and tackle the raging fires.
Earlier this month, the IDF had ordered partial evacuation of the neighborhood, but three blocks of that area were still designated as safe, encouraging people to take refuge there, according to Al Jazeera.