In a tragic turn of events, an Israeli airstrike on a beloved Gaza café has left at least 40 civilians dead, raising questions about the proportional response and the ongoing conflict.
**IDF Strike Claims Lives of Civilians in Gaza Cafe Attack**
**IDF Strike Claims Lives of Civilians in Gaza Cafe Attack**
Israeli military action results in high civilian casualties while targeting senior Hamas figures.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Sunday that they successfully targeted a senior commander of Hamas's naval force, Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh, in a strike on the al-Baqa café, a popular gathering spot in western Gaza City. However, the strike resulted in the tragic deaths of dozens of civilians, with family members abroad and in Gaza expressing shock at the high casualty rate.
Alongside Saleh, the strike also claimed the lives of Hisham Ayman Atiya Mansour, the deputy head of Hamas's mortar unit, and Nissim Muhammad Suleiman Abu Sabha. The IDF described Saleh as a key figure in Hamas known for orchestrating maritime attacks against Israeli targets.
Initial reports indicate that the attack on the bustling café, which was known for its scenic ambiance and connectivity, may have been tip-off based on rumors of a Hamas commander’s presence. The IDF stated it had attempted to minimize civilian harm, but offered no insights into the number of civilian casualties resulting from the operation.
According to the BBC’s analysis, 29 individuals have been confirmed deceased, including at least nine women, numerous children, and well-known figures such as artists and activists. Shifa Hospital staff confirmed an influx of patients, revealing that the death toll may rise as many victims succumb to their injuries, with reports suggesting some victims were "blown to pieces" in the blast.
The café remained a vibrant locale in Gaza, even amidst ongoing military tensions, with its significant internet access that kept the community connected. The IDF has not responded specifically to inquiries about the nature of civilian casualties within the context of proportionality in warfare.
In parallel to these developments, indirect peace negotiations between Israel and Hamas commenced in Qatar on Sunday. These talks aimed to find common ground regarding a ceasefire proposal and the potential release of hostages taken following the conflict escalation after the October 7 attack that claimed approximately 1,200 lives and led to hostage-taking.
As of this reporting, the Hamas-run health ministry has estimated that the ongoing conflict has resulted in over 57,338 casualties in Gaza since the outbreak, making the re-evaluation of military tactics and protectiveness of civilian life an urgent concern amidst this escalating situation.
