Israeli air strike on Rafah: tragedy, global outrage, and ongoing conflict

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation in Gaza as a “humanitarian catastrophe,” warning of the risk of famine and urging Israel to facilitate the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance through all crossing points.

French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed his outrage over the attack, stating, “There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians,” in a post on X.

Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin criticised the refusal to allow aid in sufficient volumes amid the attack, saying “what we witnessed last night is barbaric.” Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar also criticised the move, with Qatar highlighting that the Rafah strike could hinder efforts to mediate a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Earlier, The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its Rafah offensive as part of South Africa’s case accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, a charge Israel denies.

The aftermath

Israel’s military stated that Sunday’s strike, based on “precise intelligence”,  had targeted Hamas’s chief of staff for the West Bank and another official involved in deadly attacks on Israelis. Following the strike, Israel also attacked tents in the Al-Mawasi area west of Rafah on Tuesday, May 28, resulting in at least 21 deaths. There was also an attack on Monday that killed several people. Hospitals in Rafah were overwhelmed with bodies and the wounded, with officials describing the situation as horrific and increasingly difficult to manage.

On Wednesday, Israel’s military announced that it had seized control of a strategic corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt near Rafah.

‘All eyes on Rafah’

A social media campaign emerged after the loss of at least 37 lives on May 28, gaining significant attention. In response, Israel launched the campaign “Where were eyes on October 7th?” referencing the October 7 Hamas-led attacks that killed at least 1,200 people.

Recognition of Palestine

Meanwhile, Spain, Ireland and Norway have recognised Palestine as an independent state. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stated that the recognition of a Palestinian state is a matter of “justice” for the people of Palestine.

Palestine has also demanded a seat in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). While the UNGA alone cannot grant full UN membership, a draft resolution expected to pass by September 2024 would grant Palestinians some additional rights and privileges, including a seat among UN members in the assembly hall, but not a voting right.