Palestinian sources claim at least 50 people, including civilians, were killed as the airstrike targeted senior Hamas commanders.
Israel confirmed the strike, stating it was based on precise intelligence targeting key figures in Hamas' leadership, Breitbart News reported.
The airstrike, which took place Sunday night, focused on eliminating high-ranking members of Hamas. Among those killed were Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar, both senior officials within the organization. Rabia, who had been deported to Gaza in 2011 as part of the Shalit prisoner deal, was involved in multiple terror attacks over the years.
Palestinian sources reported a high number of casualties, including civilians, due to the strike. They noted that the airstrike hit near a UNRWA compound housing displaced persons, contributing to the civilian toll. The IDF acknowledged reports of civilian casualties and expressed regret for any harm to noncombatants, emphasizing that the strike targeted legitimate military objectives under international law.
Yassin Rabia was a pivotal figure within Hamas, managing terrorist activities and transferring funds for operations across Judea and Samaria. The IDF stated that Rabia had orchestrated numerous deadly attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians.
Khaled Nagar, another key Hamas official, was also killed in the strike. He directed various terrorist activities, including shooting attacks, and facilitated the transfer of funds for Hamas' operations in Gaza. Both Rabia and Nagar had a long history of involvement in deadly attacks from 2001 to 2003.
According to the IDF, the strike was carried out in the Tal as Sultan area of northwest Rafah, using precise intelligence and munitions. Despite these precautions, the proximity to the UNRWA compound and refugee tents resulted in significant civilian casualties.
In the aftermath of the airstrike, the IDF announced that a prosecutor would investigate the incident. The aim is to review the circumstances surrounding the civilian casualties and ensure compliance with international law.
Media reports have highlighted the complexity of the situation, noting that Hamas often uses civilians as "human shields" to deter attacks. This tactic aims to leverage international diplomatic consequences to prevent future strikes on their leadership and infrastructure.
Israeli media outlets, such as Abu Ali Express, have expressed skepticism about Hamas' intentions, suggesting that the organization is exploiting Western sensitivity to civilian deaths to achieve political gains. This skepticism is further fueled by recent international rulings and statements from the Biden administration opposing Israeli activity in the area.
According to the IDF:
Earlier this evening, an IAF aircraft, in an IDF and ISA intelligence-based strike, eliminated the terrorist Yassin Rabia, the Commander of Hamas’ leadership in Judea and Samaria, as well as Khaled Nagar, a senior official in Hamas’ Judea and Samaria wing.
The International Court of Justice recently ruled that Israel must stop attacks in Rafah, a decision viewed by Israelis as biased due to the court's lack of enforcement capabilities. Additionally, the Biden administration has opposed Israeli operations in Rafah, aligning with global concerns about the humanitarian impact, underscoring the persistent tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Israeli airstrike in Rafah, resulting in the deaths of 50 individuals, including civilians, underscores the ongoing volatility in the region. The strike targeted senior Hamas leaders Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar, both with histories of terrorist activities. The resulting civilian casualties, particularly near a UNRWA compound, have drawn international attention and criticism. The IDF's acknowledgment and subsequent investigation into the incident aim to address these concerns. This event highlights the broader geopolitical tensions and the complex dynamics at play in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
