Israeli Airstrikes Kill at Least 35 Palestinians in Rafah, Gaza Authorities Say

In the latest escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 35 Palestinians in Rafah, according to local authorities. The strikes, which occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, mark one of the deadliest incidents in the region in recent months.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the airstrikes, stating that they were targeting militant infrastructure in response to a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza into southern Israel. The IDF claims that among the targets were weapon storage facilities and underground tunnels used by militant groups.

Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that the majority of those killed were civilians, including women and children. Health officials in Rafah described scenes of chaos and devastation, with emergency services struggling to reach those trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings. Hospitals in the area are reportedly overwhelmed, with medical supplies running dangerously low.

Eyewitnesses in Rafah recounted harrowing experiences of the airstrikes. “I heard a loud explosion and then everything around me started collapsing,” said Ahmad al-Saadi, a local resident. “We tried to pull out as many people as we could from the debris, but the situation is dire.”

International reactions have been swift, with calls for restraint and a return to dialogue. The United Nations issued a statement expressing deep concern over the rising casualties and urging both sides to de-escalate the situation. “The loss of civilian lives, particularly children, is unacceptable,” said UN Secretary-General. “We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for all parties to engage in meaningful negotiations.”

The airstrikes in Rafah come amid a broader surge in violence that has seen increased rocket fire from Gaza and retaliatory strikes by Israel. This latest exchange began after a series of provocations, including clashes at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and the eviction of Palestinian families in East Jerusalem, which have fueled tensions.

Israeli Prime Minister defended the military actions, stating that Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorist threats. “We will continue to take all necessary measures to protect our citizens,” he said in a televised address. “Hamas and other terrorist organizations in Gaza must understand that their attacks will not go unanswered.”

Meanwhile, Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, vowed to continue its resistance. “The blood of our martyrs will not be in vain,” said Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum. “We will respond to the enemy’s aggression with all the means at our disposal.”

As the cycle of violence intensifies, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating. The enclave, already suffering from years of blockade and economic hardship, faces further challenges in the wake of the latest conflict. International aid organizations have called for immediate assistance to address the urgent needs of the population.

The coming days will be critical in determining whether this latest flare-up can be contained or if it will spiral into a full-scale conflict. The international community is watching closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could bring an end to the violence and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.