The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday that it has launched an investigation into a recent airstrike in Rafah, southern Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinian civilians. The probe is being conducted by the General Staff Fact-Finding Assessment Mechanism, an independent military body tasked with examining unusual incidents during wartime. This decision was made following orders from the military advocate general.
The airstrike, which took place in the Tel Sultan area of western Rafah, targeted and killed two senior Hamas officials. These individuals were reportedly responsible for orchestrating attacks against Israel from the West Bank. However, the strike also led to significant civilian casualties, prompting international condemnation and calls for an investigation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the incident in the Knesset, expressing regret over the civilian deaths but emphasizing the necessity of the military operation. “Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night, there was a tragic mistake,” Netanyahu said. He reiterated Israel’s commitment to continuing its operations in Gaza until its objectives are achieved, stressing that yielding to Hamas would embolden terrorist activities.
The international community, including the European Union and the United Nations, has criticized the Rafah strike. The EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, labeled the strike “horrifying” and called for respect for international law. Meanwhile, the UN’s human rights chief, Volker Turk, pointed to a lack of apparent changes in Israel’s military tactics, which have resulted in numerous civilian casualties.
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