Netanyahu calls Rafah strike a tragic mishap

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged a “tragic mishap” occurred during an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, which resulted in a fire at a camp for displaced Palestinians and, according to local sources, caused at least 45 deaths.

This incident has intensified the growing global criticism of Israel’s conflict with Hamas, drawing condemnation even from its closest allies due to the civilian casualties. Despite the backlash, Israel asserts that it follows international law, although it is facing scrutiny from international courts. Last week, one such court demanded Israel cease its offensive in Rafah.

Netanyahu did not provide details about the error. Initially, the Israeli military stated that they had targeted a Hamas compound and killed two senior militants. As the situation unfolded, the military announced an investigation into the civilian deaths.

The strike on Sunday night, which is among the deadliest in the conflict, pushed the total Palestinian death toll over 36,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not separate combatants from noncombatants in its count.

“Despite our best efforts to avoid harming innocent civilians, a tragic mishap occurred last night,” Netanyahu stated in a speech to the Israeli parliament on Monday. “We are investigating the incident to reach a conclusion because this is our policy.”

Mohammed Abuassa, who was present at the scene in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood, described rescuers pulling out victims in horrific conditions. “We found children in pieces, young and old in a terrible state. The fire at the camp was unimaginable,” he said.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry and the Palestinian Red Crescent, the strike killed at least 45 people, including 12 women, eight children, and three elderly individuals, with some bodies burned beyond recognition.

In a related event, Egypt’s military reported that one of its soldiers was killed during a firefight in Rafah. Israel confirmed it was in contact with Egyptian authorities, and both sides are investigating the incident. An initial report indicated that the Egyptian soldier responded to an exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants.

The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting on Tuesday afternoon to address the Rafah situation, prompted by a request from Algeria, the Arab representative on the council.

Rafah, located at Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, had been a refuge for over a million displaced people from other parts of Gaza. Most have fled again since Israel’s recent incursion. Many are now living in overcrowded tent camps in and around the city.

In another part of Rafah, Dr. Suhaib al-Hamas, director of Kuwait Hospital, announced its closure and staff relocation to a field hospital following a strike that killed two health workers at the hospital entrance.

Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s goal to eliminate the remaining Hamas battalions in Rafah. Hamas had launched rockets from Rafah towards central Israel, causing no injuries but triggering air raid sirens.

The Rafah strike led to renewed condemnation from even Israel’s staunchest supporters. The U.S. National Security Council called the images from Rafah “heartbreaking” and stated that the U.S. was working with the Israeli military to investigate. French President Emmanuel Macron demanded an immediate ceasefire and adherence to international law, citing the lack of safe areas for civilians in Rafah. Germany’s Foreign Office also expressed outrage, calling for a swift investigation and better protection for civilians.

Qatar, a key mediator for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, warned that the Rafah strike could hinder negotiations, which have been stymied by Hamas’ demands for a lasting truce and Israeli troop withdrawal.

Israel’s top legal official, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, confirmed an ongoing investigation into the Rafah strike and expressed regret for civilian casualties. She noted that Israel had launched 70 investigations into potential international law violations, including civilian deaths and conditions in detention facilities.

Israel maintains it has an independent judiciary capable of addressing abuses, but rights groups argue that investigations into violence against Palestinians are often inadequate, with soldiers rarely facing severe penalties.

Israel denies genocide allegations by South Africa at the International Court of Justice, which recently ordered Israel to halt its Rafah offensive. Additionally, the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor is seeking arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes.

Israel insists it complies with the laws of war, despite facing an adversary that does not, embedding itself among civilians and holding Israeli hostages.

Hamas initiated the conflict with an attack on Israel on October 7, allegedly killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Currently, Hamas holds about 100 hostages, with around 30 remains after most were released during a ceasefire last year.

Approximately 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have fled their homes, with severe hunger widespread and some areas experiencing famine, according to U.N. officials.