Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the airstrike that Gazan authorities reported killed dozens of civilians in a Rafah tent camp as a “tragic mistake.”
Authorities in Hamas-controlled Gaza stated that at least 45 individuals were killed, and nearly 250 were injured in the airstrike, which Israel claimed was aimed at two senior Hamas terrorists. Netanyahu indicated that Israel is looking into the incident.
“Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night, there was a tragic mistake,” Netanyahu told the country’s parliament on Monday. “We are investigating the incident and will obtain a conclusion, because this is our policy.”
If confirmed, the death toll would make this airstrike the deadliest occurrence in Rafah since Israel began its incursion into the area earlier this month.
The White House also commented on the Rafah airstrike on Monday. A National Security Council spokesperson mentioned that U.S. officials are in contact with officials in the Israel Defense Forces to evaluate the situation.
“Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians,” the spokesperson said. “But as we’ve been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians.”
Approximately 900,000 Palestinians have fled Rafah following evacuation orders from the IDF for parts of the city earlier this month after Hamas launched an attack from Rafah near a significant border crossing, which serves as the primary entry point for humanitarian aid.
Additionally, on Monday, Israeli and Egyptian troops exchanged gunfire at the Rafah border crossing, reportedly resulting in the death of one Egyptian.
