Israel Denies Responsibility for Attacks in Rafah Evacuation Area
Israel’s military has refuted claims that its forces were responsible for an attack in an evacuation area in west Rafah that resulted in the killing of 21 people as per Gaza health authorities.
Israeli Military Response
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that a hidden weapons cache could have triggered the deadly fire on May 26. An airstrike targeted a nearby area using munitions that the IDF claimed were ‘too small’ to cause such extensive damage on their own. The secondary explosion likely resulted from the stored weapons, leading to the fire that killed dozens of civilians.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the IDF spokesman, addressed the incident in a press conference, stating, “Despite our efforts to minimize civilian casualties during the strike, the fire that broke out was unexpected and unintended.”
He further added, “Our investigation seeks to determine what may have caused such a large fire to ignite. We are looking into all possibilities, including the possibility that weapons stored in a compound next to our target may have ignited as a result of the strike.”
US Response
Reacting to the incidents, the Biden administration stated that it is closely monitoring the probe. US Vice President Kamala Harris described the events as “tragic.”
The conflict has resulted in over 36,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israel is aiming to dismantle Hamas hideouts in Rafah and rescue hostages believed to be held in the area.
Israel’s offensive began following an attack by Hamas, resulting in casualties and hostages being taken.
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