Gaza Cafe Strike: Dozens Dead! What REALLY Happened?
Tragedy Strikes Gaza Cafe: Dozens Killed in Airstrike
A devastating Israeli airstrike on a cafe near the port in Gaza City has resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, according to reports from the region. The incident, which occurred on Monday, has drawn widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the ongoing conflict.
Dr. Mohammad Abu Silmiya, director of Al-Shifa hospital, stated that at least 41 people were killed and 75 injured in the strike. Videos geolocated by CNN show significant damage to the Al-Baqa cafe and the surrounding area, with thick smoke rising from the scene and bodies being removed on stretchers.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has stated that the incident is “under review.” In response to questions, the IDF said, “Earlier today (Monday), the IDF struck several Hamas terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip. Prior to the strike, steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians using aerial surveillance.”
The Al-Baqa cafe was a popular spot for students, journalists, and remote workers, offering internet access and a place to work near the Mediterranean coast. Silmiya told CNN that “most of the casualties are women and children,” including many students who were at the cafe for internet access.
Witnesses described a scene of carnage, with the cafe transformed from a place of relative calm into a site of destruction. Abu al-Nour, 60, recounted the moment the missile struck, leaving shrapnel flying and the area filled with smoke and the smell of gunpowder.
The hospital is reportedly struggling to cope with the influx of casualties, with shortages of ICU beds and anesthetics. Injured individuals are being treated on the hospital floor due to the lack of available rooms and beds.
Among those killed was freelance journalist Ismail Abu Hatab, according to reports from the scene. The Hamas-controlled Government Media Office stated that his death brought the number of journalists killed to 228.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging all parties to exercise restraint and protect civilian lives.