At Least 40 Killed in Rafah as Israeli Missiles Strike Displaced Persons Camp

In a tragic escalation of violence, at least 40 people have been killed and over 65 injured after Israeli missiles struck a camp for displaced Palestinians near Rafah in southern Gaza. The attack, which occurred in the Tal as-Sultan area, has drawn widespread condemnation and underscored the severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
Witnesses described horrific scenes, with many victims reportedly burned alive inside their tents. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and other local agencies confirmed the high casualty numbers, noting that the impact was devastating for those seeking refuge from ongoing conflict.
The Wafa news agency, citing the PRCS, highlighted that the missiles caused significant fires, with tents melting under the intense heat, compounding the suffering of those inside. Mohammad al-Mughayyir, a senior official at the civil defense agency, described the incident as a massacre, noting the brutal toll it took on the displaced population.
Al Jazeera’s Sanad fact-checking agency confirmed that the attacks targeted the Brix camp, located west of Rafah, close to a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) warehouse. Aerial photographs taken on May 24 showed hundreds of tents packed into the area, which was intended to be a safe haven for displaced families.
The Israeli military justified the strikes, stating they were targeting a Hamas compound in Rafah using precise ammunition based on detailed intelligence. The attack was reportedly in response to Hamas launching eight rockets at Tel Aviv, marking the first such attack on the city in months. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the airstrike eliminated Hamas’s chief of staff for the West Bank and another senior figure involved in deadly attacks on Israelis. However, the IDF acknowledged reports of civilian casualties and stated that the incident was under review.
The broader context of the violence includes ongoing ground assaults by Israeli forces in Rafah, despite an order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to halt operations. The region has been a focal point of intense conflict, with repeated calls for ceasefire and international intervention often going unheeded.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported a surge of casualties at its field hospital in Rafah, with other medical facilities similarly overwhelmed. The influx of wounded highlighted the severe strain on Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure, which has been crippled by years of blockade and intermittent conflict.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) expressed horror at the attack, noting that dozens of injured and over 15 deceased were brought to one of its supported facilities. MSF reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire, stressing that such incidents starkly illustrate that nowhere in Gaza is safe for civilians.
The incident has also sparked a wave of international condemnation. Norway, Spain, and Ireland, among other nations, have condemned the ongoing Israeli attacks on Rafah, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire and protection of civilians.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, with millions displaced and in dire need of aid. The attack on the Rafah camp has intensified the call for international intervention to protect civilians and ensure that humanitarian assistance can reach those most in need. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have repeatedly urged both sides to prioritize the safety of non-combatants and adhere to international laws designed to protect civilians in conflict zones.
In conclusion, the deadly missile strike on the Rafah camp underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustained ceasefire. The international community must step up efforts to mediate peace and provide immediate humanitarian relief to the besieged population of Gaza. As the violence continues to escalate, the human cost grows ever more tragic, highlighting the desperate need for lasting solutions to this protracted conflict.