At least 25 Palestinians were killed and 50 injured when Israeli tanks fired on tent camps near Rafah in Gaza, just outside a designated safe zone, plunging the area into further chaos.

The devastating incident occurred as Israeli tanks targeted makeshift shelters in Rafah, displacing already vulnerable civilians just beyond a ‘safe zone.’ Eyewitnesses recounted a deadly second strike that hit people emerging from tents, leading to international condemnation. The attacks, which have overwhelmed a nearby Red Cross field hospital with casualties, spotlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amidst the intense conflict following Hamas’ initial assault on Israel.

At least 25 Palestinians were killed and 50 injured when Israeli tanks fired on tent camps near Rafah in Gaza, just outside a designated safe zone, plunging the area into further chaos.

The devastating incident occurred as Israeli tanks targeted makeshift shelters in Rafah, displacing already vulnerable civilians just beyond a ‘safe zone.’ Eyewitnesses recounted a deadly second strike that hit people emerging from tents, leading to international condemnation. The attacks, which have overwhelmed a nearby Red Cross field hospital with casualties, spotlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amidst the intense conflict following Hamas’ initial assault on Israel.

Israeli tanks began the bombardment late yesterday, directing their fire at tent camps in the Mafasi area of western Rafah. Displaced families seeking shelter in the area were caught in the barrage. Witnesses reported that a second volley of tank shells struck individuals rushing out of their tents to aid those affected by the initial strike. This resulted in additional casualties and heightened panic among the camp's residents.

Among the victims was Mona Ashour's husband, who had gone out to investigate what he believed was a ‘sound bomb’ near the Red Cross tents. Hasan al-Najjar, another witness, recounted that his two sons were killed while attempting to help people fleeing the first round of shelling. Such personal tragedies highlight the continued suffering of civilians in the conflict.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) issued a strong condemnation, specifically denouncing the firing of high-caliber projectiles in proximity to their field hospital. Despite being situated in a supposed ‘safe zone,’ the ICRC’s facility was inundated with victims, including 22 dead and 45 injured, straining their capacity to provide emergency medical care.

In response to the attack, the Health Ministry in Gaza reported the fatalities and injuries, emphasizing the growing toll on the civilian population. The Ministry's figures underscored the immediate need for international intervention and relief efforts to address the escalating humanitarian disaster.

Israel's military has stated that the episode is currently under review but provided no specific details. Official sources claimed there was no indication that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted strikes inside the designated safe zone. However, this assertion has been met with skepticism given Israel’s previous bombardments near ‘humanitarian zones’ in Muwasi and other Gaza locations.

Israeli officials maintain that military operations are aimed at targeting Hamas fighters and infrastructure while attempting to minimize civilian casualties. Nevertheless, the civilian death toll continues to climb, exacerbating the already severe humanitarian conditions. The UN has stated that there is no truly safe place in Gaza and has continually highlighted the dire circumstances faced by its residents.

This incident is part of a larger pattern of violence that has plagued Gaza since the conflict began. Ongoing Israeli ground offensives and airstrikes have resulted in more than 37,400 deaths in Gaza. The war erupted after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, which killed about 1,200 Israelis and resulted in the abduction of approximately 250 more.

These tragic events underline the complexities and the grave humanitarian repercussions of the conflict, calling for heightened international attention and urgent efforts toward ceasing hostilities and safeguarding civilian lives on both sides.