An Israeli airstrike on a seafront café in Gaza City on Monday killed at least 41 people and injured 75, Dr. Mohammad Abu Silmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital, said Monday evening.
The Al-Baqa Cafe, located near the port, was frequented by students, journalists, and remote workers seeking internet access and electricity.
Videos circulating on social media captured the aftermath of the strike, showing thick smoke billowing from the scene, extensive damage to the café and surrounding area, and bodies being carried away on stretchers.
Footage captures the moment Al-Baqa Café was bombed on Gaza Beach. pic.twitter.com/LNmWIDlyRZ
— TIMES OF GAZA (@Timesofgaza) June 30, 2025
In pictures: The aftermath of the horrific Israeli attack on the Al-Baqa Cafe on the Gaza City beach this afternoon. At least 22 people were killed and many others wounded in the massacre, including some in critical condition. pic.twitter.com/wL7Tku6LXO
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) June 30, 2025
Freelance journalist Ismail Abu Hatab was among those killed in the attack. According to Gaza’s media office, his death brings the number of journalists killed since October 2023 to 228.
The incident also left visual artist Frans al-Salmi killed and reporter Bayan Abusultan injured.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strike targeted Hamas operatives in northern Gaza and stated that the incident is “under review.”
Aside from those killed in the café strike, 23 people were killed on Monday in Gaza while seeking food aid, according to the Associated Press.
Two additional airstrikes on a Gaza City street killed 15 people, according to Shifa Hospital, which received the casualties. Another strike on a building near the town of Zawaida killed six, Al-Aqsa Hospital reported.
In Khan Younis, 11 Palestinians were killed near an aid hub operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
More than 56,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
