Israel Strikes Rafah Just Hours After Netanyahu Admits ‘Tragic Mistake’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described Israel’s bombing of a shelter in southern Gaza as a “tragic mistake,” even as he continues to press ahead with the offensive.

The attack on Sunday in the city of Rafah, near the border with Egypt, resulted in the deaths of at least 45 Palestinians, with dozens more injured.

Many of the victims were reportedly burned alive in the tent camp, designated as a safe zone.

Smoke rises following Israeli strikes during an Israeli military operation in Rafah (Picture: Reuters)

Despite the outcry, Netanyahu’s forces struck again in the Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood of Rafah, killing 16 more people.

Rafah has become a scene of extreme hardship, with famine deepening and medical supplies depleted, all while Israeli fighter jets continue their assaults on refugee camps.

Abdel-Rahman Abu Ismail, a Palestinian from Gaza City sheltering in Tel al-Sultan, described the horror of constant explosions overnight and into the morning, reminiscent of previous heavy bombings in his neighbourhood.

Reports indicate that Israeli tanks and army vehicles have advanced into the centre of Rafah, forcing many families to flee their homes under fire.

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Residents, including Sayed al-Masri, describe the worsening conditions as families seek refuge in the overcrowded Mawasi area or Khan Younis, both already heavily damaged by ongoing conflicts.

Testimonies over the past 24 hours have highlighted the severe nature of the attacks since the offensive began three weeks ago.

Israel’s actions continue despite a ruling from the top U.N. court ordering it to cease its attacks. International criticism has mounted, with even close allies like the U.S. expressing outrage over civilian casualties, though military support persists.

At least 45 people were killed in the bombing on Sunday (Picture: A.P.)

U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron has called for a thorough investigation into the Rafah air strikes.

The US-based Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention has condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, accusing the country of committing genocide and criticizing the U.S. for its collaboration. The Institute’s statement emphasized that the scale and nature of Israel’s actions amount to atrocity crimes.

The ongoing conflict has brought immense suffering to the people of Gaza, with Rafah becoming a focal point of destruction and despair. The international community continues to call for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis and hold those responsible accountable.