160 Killed, many burnt alive as Israel bombs Palestinian shelters in Rafah

The assault targeted a centre run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees near Rafah, in what has been described as a “horrific massacre.”

The attack on the Tal as-Sultan camp followed strikes on other shelters, compounding the devastation in the southern Gaza Strip. According to Palestinian officials, the strikes on Tal as-Sultan, Jabalia, Nuseirat, and Gaza City resulted in significant civilian casualties, with many of the victims being women and children.

The Israeli military confirmed the strike in Rafah, claiming it aimed at Hamas fighters using “precision weaponry.” They acknowledged civilian casualties due to a fire that broke out during the attack and indicated that the incident is under investigation.

Reports from the Wafa news agency highlighted that approximately 40 Palestinians were killed in the tent camp at Rafah, designated as a safe zone. The camp was housing numerous displaced families seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict.

Since the escalation of hostilities on October 7, the death toll in Gaza has soared, with at least 35,984 Palestinians martyred and up to 80,643 wounded in Israeli attacks. The continued bombings have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with shelters and safe zones increasingly becoming targets in the conflict.

Israel has persisted in bombing Rafah despite a ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday, which ordered Israel to cease its military operation in Rafah where thousands of Palestinians are seeking shelter.