An Israeli airstrike on a tent camp in Rafah, designated as a safe zone for displaced people, has resulted in the deaths of 45 Palestinians, most of them women and children.
The attack, which has sparked widespread international condemnation, comes amidst ongoing violence in the region.
Gaza's civil defence agency reports many bodies were "charred" after the attack triggered a fire that ripped through a displacement centre.
A video post by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society showed chaotic night-time scenes of paramedics in ambulances racing to the fiery attack site and evacuating the wounded, including children.
Horrific scenes of Palestine Red Crescent ambulance teams transporting victims after the Israeli occupation targeted displaced persons’ tents northwest of Rafah.
📷Filmed by PRCS volunteer: Atallah Gaith #Gaza #IHL pic.twitter.com/jHzdIu0uMw— PRCS (@PalestineRCS) May 26, 2024
The deadly strike on Tal as-Sultan camp follows a series of Israeli bombings targeting shelters in Jabalia, Nuseirat, and Gaza City, which have collectively killed at least 160 Palestinians, according to local officials.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) described the situation in Gaza as "hell on earth." The agency expressed horror over the attacks on families seeking refuge, citing reports of mass casualties including children and women.
Information coming out of #Rafah about further attacks on families seeking shelter is horrifying.
There are reports of mass causalities including children and women among those killed.
Gaza is hell on earth. Images from last night are yet another testament to that.
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) May 27, 2024
There are reports of mass causalities including children and women among those killed.
Gaza is hell on earth. Images from last night are yet another testament to that.
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) May 27, 2024
International leaders have voiced their concern over the escalating violence. Qatar's foreign ministry warned that the attack could complicate efforts to mediate a cease-fire and facilitate the return of hostages held in Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate cease-fire and adherence to international law.
“These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians,” he posted on X. “I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire.”
Outraged by the Israeli strikes that have killed many displaced persons in Rafah.
These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians.
I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 27, 2024
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also condemned the attack, saying Israel must abide by the ICJ ruling to stop its offensive in Rafah as EU foreign ministers met their Arab counterparts in Brussels hours after Israel’s deadly attack on Rafah.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to hold Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accountable for the deadly strikes, labeling the actions as "barbaric."
Despite mounting international pressure, Netanyahu has reiterated Israel's commitment to eliminating Hamas control in Gaza.
On Friday, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its Rafah offensive or any other operation there that could bring about "the physical destruction" of the Palestinians.
