Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to persist in the Gaza war, despite widespread international condemnation of an air strike in Rafah that killed numerous Palestinians. The Hamas-run health ministry reported at least 45 fatalities, with hundreds more suffering severe injuries.
International Outcry Over Rafah Strike
Netanyahu called the strike a “tragic mishap” but emphasized the need to achieve all war objectives. He insisted that Israel takes “every precaution possible” to protect civilians, although international organizations, including the EU and UN, have condemned the strike and called for an end to the violence.
Emergency UN Security Council Meeting
In response to the Rafah strike, the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday at Algeria’s request. UN Secretary General António Guterres condemned the attack, stating, “There is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop.”
Israeli Military Actions and Justifications
Netanyahu, speaking in the Israeli parliament, faced interruptions from families of hostages taken by Hamas. He reiterated that Israel’s military actions are aimed at minimizing civilian casualties and promised an investigation into the Rafah strike to determine what went wrong.
Ongoing Military Operations
Despite the International Court of Justice ruling to halt the Rafah offensive, Israel continues its military campaign, arguing that the ruling allows for certain operations under international law. The strike on Rafah targeted senior Hamas commanders, but also hit tents for displaced people near a UN facility, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Medical and Humanitarian Impact
Médecins Sans Frontières reported receiving 28 dead, including women and children, and treating 180 wounded Palestinians. The organization criticized the precision of the strike, highlighting the devastating impact on civilians in what was considered a safe zone.
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