Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) strongly condemned the Israeli strike on Rafah that resulted in the deaths of at least 45 individuals over the weekend. She referred to it as an “indefensible atrocity,” joining the growing chorus of voices criticizing the Israeli military operation in the southern Gaza city.
The Israeli military launched an attack on the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah, specifically targeting a humanitarian zone that was filled with tents. It is important to note that the Israeli military had previously instructed displaced Palestinians to seek shelter in this area during the ongoing conflict with the militant group Hamas. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, this strike resulted in the tragic deaths of two senior Hamas leaders.
“The attack on a tent camp in Rafah by the IDF is a horrific act that cannot be justified,” Ocasio-Cortez expressed on Monday via the social platform X. “It is a clear disregard for President Biden’s red line and the ICJ’s plea for a ceasefire.”
According to her, it is high time for Biden to fulfill his promise and halt the delivery of military aid to Israel. This comes after he issued a warning earlier this month in an effort to deter Israeli assaults on Rafah.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his deep regret over the strike, referring to it as a “tragic mistake.” He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on Monday.
In an address to Israel’s parliament, Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged a tragic mistake that occurred last night, despite their best efforts to avoid harming innocent civilians. He emphasized that the incident is currently under investigation, and they are committed to reaching a conclusion as part of their policy.
Just days after the International Court of Justice issued an order for Israel to cease its operations in Rafah, the last major settlement in Gaza that remains untouched by the Israeli military, this attack took place.
The Israeli military operation in Rafah has faced widespread criticism, with the recent strike drawing condemnation. In response to the attack, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council expressed their heartbreak, as reported by Axios.
According to the spokesperson, it is acknowledged that Israel has the right to pursue Hamas. However, it is emphasized that Israel must prioritize the protection of civilians by taking all necessary precautions. The spokesperson further states that they are actively involved in discussions with the IDF and other partners in order to evaluate the situation.
French President Emmanuel Macron took advantage of the strike to once again urge for a cease-fire in the conflict.
“These operations must come to a halt. Rafah does not provide any safe areas for Palestinian civilians,” Macron stated in a post on X. “I urge everyone to fully abide by international law and implement an immediate ceasefire.”
Despite strong warnings from the Biden administration, the Israeli military has been gradually encroaching on Rafah.
More than half of Gaza’s population, estimated at 2.3 million people, are currently seeking shelter in Rafah. Additionally, over 80 percent of the overall population in the territory have been displaced from their homes. The United Nations has reported that famine has already begun in certain areas, as civilians face difficulties in accessing much-needed humanitarian aid.
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