Israeli air strikes killed at least 35 Palestinians and wounded dozens in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, targeting an area designated for the displaced, according to Palestinian health officials.
The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted a Hamas compound, killing two senior officials and was based on precise intelligence. The military acknowledged reports of civilian casualties and stated the incident is under review.
The strike occurred in the Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood, where many had taken shelter from ongoing ground offensives. The International Committee of the Red Cross and other hospitals in Rafah reported a surge in casualties.
Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri condemned the attack as a “massacre,” accusing the United States of enabling Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his war cabinet to discuss further actions, asserting that the UN court’s ruling still allowed some military operations in Rafah.
Hamas responded with rocket fire, citing the airstrikes against civilians.
In ongoing conflicts, Israeli strikes in Rafah and Jabaliya continued, with further casualties reported. Efforts to negotiate a truce and the return of hostages have seen little progress, though recent meetings indicate potential movement in talks.
Meanwhile, aid trucks have begun entering Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, following agreements between US and Egyptian leaders.
