Israeli Prime Minister’s Response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the deadly strike by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, referring to it as a “tragic accident.” Despite efforts to evacuate uninvolved residents, the strike resulted in casualties.
Defiant Stance
Netanyahu faced international criticism but remained firm in his commitment to the military operation in Gaza to eliminate Hamas. He emphasized the pursuit of “absolute victory” and rejected external pressures.
Survivor’s Account
A survivor from the Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood described the strike as sudden and devastating, affecting families preparing for sleep. The incident occurred amid ongoing military operations in the region.
International Reactions
- Italian Criticism: Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto condemned Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians, stating that such actions were unjustifiable and causing despair.
- EU Condemnation: European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed horror at the events in Rafah and condemned them in the strongest terms.
- African Union’s Stance: The AU accused Israel of violating international law and disregarding recent ICJ rulings.
- Turkish Response: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to hold Netanyahu accountable for the strikes, describing them as “barbaric.”
- UN’s Call for Investigation: The United Nations urged Israel to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the strike, emphasizing accountability for any wrongdoing.
Human Rights Concerns
The United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk expressed deep concern over the civilian casualties and highlighted the need for a change in the methods of warfare used in the conflict.