Israeli Air Strike on Rafah Kills Over 35, Triggers Evacuations
Civilians Burned Alive, Thousands Evacuated
On December 30, 2023, an Israeli air strike on the Rafah refugee camp in the Gaza Strip left at least 35 people dead and dozens more injured, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). The Wafa news agency reported that many of the victims were burned alive inside their homes.
Palestinian Deaths and Hamas Targeting
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that the airstrike was targeting Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza. However, Palestinian witnesses and human rights groups accused Israel of using excessive force and targeting civilians.
International Condemnation
The attack drew widespread international condemnation. Qatar condemned it as a grave violation of international laws that will aggravate the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip. The United Nations called for an independent investigation into the incident.
Emergency C-Section Amid Tragedy
Amidst the tragedy, there was a moment of hope. Baby Tala Rouqa was born by emergency caesarean section in a hospital near Rafah after the airstrikes. Her mother was one of the many injured in the attack.
Evacuations and Humanitarian Crisis
Following the airstrikes, the IDF urged approximately 100,000 people to evacuate parts of Rafah. The evacuations added to the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the population has been under Israeli blockade for over 15 years.
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