Israel’s military denied targeting a tent camp in Rafah on Tuesday, following Gaza health authorities’ report of Israeli tank shelling causing casualties there.
This incident occurred in an area designated by Israel as a civilian evacuation zone. Israeli tanks advanced into Rafah despite an appeal from the International Court of Justice.
Several countries, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, recognized a Palestinian state, further isolating Israel internationally. The United States, though opposing a major Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, did not believe such an operation was underway.
Gaza emergency services reported casualties, including women, from tank shellings in Al-Mawasi, an area designated by Israel for civilian safety. Israel’s military denied striking this humanitarian zone but confirmed continued operations in Rafah.
Witnesses observed Israeli military presence near Al-Awda mosque in central Rafah, but the Israeli military did not comment on reports of advancing into the city center.
The three-week-long offensive in Rafah by Israel has sparked international outrage following an attack on Sunday that resulted in a fire at a tent camp in the city’s western district, causing the death of at least 45 individuals.
Israel claimed it targeted two senior Hamas operatives and did not intend to harm civilians, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that civilian casualties occurred due to unforeseen tragic circumstances.
Global leaders expressed horror at the incident in a designated humanitarian zone where displaced families sought refuge, urging adherence to a recent World Court order to halt Israel’s assault.
Following a closed-door meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday regarding the Rafah developments, Algeria announced plans to propose a draft resolution to end the violence in Rafah.
The Israeli military is investigating the possibility that nearby munitions ignited and caused the blaze following Sunday’s airstrike. The Biden administration is closely monitoring the investigation, with Vice President Kamala Harris describing the event as “tragic.”
Despite these incidents, the United States has indicated it will not suspend military aid to Israel. Additionally, part of the U.S. military’s pier off Gaza’s coast sustained damage, temporarily halting aid efforts.
Saudi Arabia, previously engaged in talks to normalize relations with Israel, accused Israel of committing “genocide massacres” in Rafah and held Israel accountable for its actions.
Efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. to resume discussions regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas are facing obstacles due to Israel’s ongoing assault on Rafah, as reported by Cairo’s state-affiliated Al-Qahera News TV channel on Tuesday, citing a senior official.
Israel has reportedly presented its latest ceasefire and hostage release proposal to Qatar, with Hamas insisting that talks are futile unless Israel halts its offensive in Rafah.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive. Israel initiated its air and ground campaign following attacks by Hamas-led militants on southern Israeli communities on Oct. 7, resulting in casualties and the seizure of hostages, according to Israeli reports.
Israel’s stated objective is to eliminate the remaining significant Hamas forces in Rafah and rescue hostages believed to be in the area.
