On Monday, an Israeli airstrike targeted Al-Baqa Cafeteria in western Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 Palestinians and numerous injuries, according to witnesses and medics. The attack on the seafront cafe, a well-frequented spot for journalists, activists, and local residents, left a deep crater and a horrific scene of destruction, as reported by rescue teams from Gaza's Hamas-controlled Civil Defence.
Israeli Airstrike on Gaza Cafe Claims 20 Lives Amid Ongoing Conflict
Israeli Airstrike on Gaza Cafe Claims 20 Lives Amid Ongoing Conflict
A deadly Israeli airstrike on a popular Gaza beach cafe results in significant casualties, escalating the humanitarian crisis.
Eyewitnesses described being thrust into chaos by a “massive explosion.” Aziz Al-Afifi, a local cameraman, recounted rushing to the site where he found friends and colleagues amidst the devastation. Disturbing videos circulated on social media showed the moment an Israeli missile struck the area, followed by scenes capturing the aftermath, with bodies strewn across the ground.
The Al-Baqa Cafeteria had served as an essential hub, providing internet access and a workspace for those in Gaza’s increasingly tumultuous environment. Medics confirmed that rescue teams managed to recover the bodies of five individuals from a separate Israeli strike at the Al Shati refugee camp. The broader scope of the airstrikes saw numerous assaults across Gaza, igniting widespread evacuations as families fled from densely populated areas such as Shujaiya and Zeitoun, driven by Israeli military orders to vacate.
The barrage of strikes coincided with speculation in Israeli media regarding the military’s strategic next steps—debating whether continued operations would spiral into a more protracted conflict. This intensifying crisis comes as international calls for a ceasefire grow louder, with stakeholders including U.S. President Donald Trump urging the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to seek negotiations with Hamas. During this escalation, over 56,000 fatalities have been reported in Gaza since the conflict reignited in March.
As the situation continues to evolve, the humanitarian impact reverberates throughout Gaza, with residents like Abeer Talba voicing their despair over repeated evacuations and ongoing violence, stating, "Death feels kinder than this." The unfolding conflict has put immense pressure on the Israeli leadership to reconcile military objectives with escalating humanitarian concerns.
Activists and rescue teams remain on high alert as fear and uncertainty grip the region amidst the relentless bombardments, with the international community keeping a watchful eye on potential pathways to peace.
Additional reporting by Hafsa Khalil.
The Al-Baqa Cafeteria had served as an essential hub, providing internet access and a workspace for those in Gaza’s increasingly tumultuous environment. Medics confirmed that rescue teams managed to recover the bodies of five individuals from a separate Israeli strike at the Al Shati refugee camp. The broader scope of the airstrikes saw numerous assaults across Gaza, igniting widespread evacuations as families fled from densely populated areas such as Shujaiya and Zeitoun, driven by Israeli military orders to vacate.
The barrage of strikes coincided with speculation in Israeli media regarding the military’s strategic next steps—debating whether continued operations would spiral into a more protracted conflict. This intensifying crisis comes as international calls for a ceasefire grow louder, with stakeholders including U.S. President Donald Trump urging the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to seek negotiations with Hamas. During this escalation, over 56,000 fatalities have been reported in Gaza since the conflict reignited in March.
As the situation continues to evolve, the humanitarian impact reverberates throughout Gaza, with residents like Abeer Talba voicing their despair over repeated evacuations and ongoing violence, stating, "Death feels kinder than this." The unfolding conflict has put immense pressure on the Israeli leadership to reconcile military objectives with escalating humanitarian concerns.
Activists and rescue teams remain on high alert as fear and uncertainty grip the region amidst the relentless bombardments, with the international community keeping a watchful eye on potential pathways to peace.
Additional reporting by Hafsa Khalil.
