Israeli Airstrike on Gaza Seafront Café Kills At Least 20: Eyewitnesses Report Harrowing Scene
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza escalated further as a reported Israeli airstrike hit a popular seafront café in Gaza, killing at least 20 Palestinians, according to local witnesses and rescuers. The strike, which occurred late Monday night, has intensified calls for international intervention and a ceasefire.
The Attack: A Direct Hit on Civilians
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of chaos as the café, known for offering a rare moment of respite to locals amid the ongoing conflict, was reduced to rubble in an instant. People gathered for evening coffee and conversation were caught off guard by the sudden strike. Rescue teams arrived swiftly, but the destruction left little hope for many trapped inside.
Eyewitness Accounts: ‘It Was Like an Earthquake’
Locals recounted the terrifying moments after the blast. “It was like an earthquake,” said one survivor. “There were people lying everywhere, many without limbs. We were just sitting, talking, and then everything went black.” The accounts paint a grim picture of the human cost of continued airstrikes in civilian areas.
Humanitarian Concerns and Civilian Casualties
The international community has long voiced concerns over the targeting of civilian infrastructure in Gaza. Human rights organizations have condemned the attack, calling for accountability and emphasizing that seafront cafés and similar public spaces are not legitimate military targets under international law.
Israeli Military Response and Justification
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have not yet issued a formal statement specifically addressing the café strike. However, past communications from the IDF have emphasized their targeting of Hamas-affiliated infrastructure and militants, often citing intelligence that such sites are used for operational purposes. Independent verification remains challenging due to restricted access to affected areas.
Calls for Ceasefire and International Mediation Intensify
This latest incident adds pressure on global actors to mediate an immediate ceasefire. UN officials and humanitarian organizations are urging both sides to prioritize civilian safety and reopen humanitarian corridors to deliver aid. As the death toll rises, peace talks become more urgent than ever.
Conclusion:
The Israeli airstrike on a Gaza seafront café underscores the devastating toll of conflict on innocent civilians. As the international community watches closely, many are asking how long such loss of life can continue without decisive diplomatic action.
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