UN Chief Denounces Israeli Strike in Rafah: ‘Horror Must Stop’

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the Israeli strike in Rafah, stating that the attack “killed scores of innocent civilians who were only seeking shelter from this deadly conflict.” He declared that “horror must stop” and emphasized that there is no safe place in Gaza. On X, Guterres reiterated, “I condemn Israel’s actions which killed scores of innocent civilians who were only seeking shelter from this deadly conflict. There is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop.”

According to CNN and the government media office in Gaza, the Israeli strike on a displacement camp resulted in at least 45 deaths and 200 injuries. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) subsequently announced the deaths of two senior Hamas officials following a targeted strike on a Hamas compound. This Israeli attack occurred after Hamas launched its first rocket attack on Tel Aviv in months.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, expressed his dismay at the ongoing civilian casualties in Gaza. He noted that Israel’s strikes on Sunday demonstrate there is no safe place in Gaza. In a news release on Monday, Turk said, “The images from the camp are horrific and point to no apparent change in the methods and means of warfare used by Israel that have already led to so many civilian deaths.” He added, “Sunday’s strike underscores once again that there is literally no safe place in Gaza.”

Turk highlighted the IDF’s announcement of a review but stressed that the predictable outcome of striking a densely populated civilian area necessitates accountability and changes in policy. He called for a ceasefire and urged Israel to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and release arbitrarily detained individuals. He also called on Hamas to release all hostages and cease firing indiscriminate rockets, which violate international humanitarian law.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed the strike on the Rafah displacement camp a “tragic mistake” and stated that Israel is investigating the incident. Addressing the Israeli Knesset on Monday, Netanyahu said, “Despite our best effort, not to harm those not involved, unfortunately, a tragic mistake happened last night. We are investigating the case.”

CNN reported that the IDF stated the strike killed Yassin Rabia, who managed Hamas terrorist activities in Judea and Samaria, and Khaled Najjar, who directed terrorist operations in the same region. The IDF confirmed the strike on a Hamas compound in Rafah, noting it was a legitimate target under international law. They acknowledged civilian harm due to the strike and subsequent fire, and stated the incident is under review.

Videos on social media showed a large fire at the scene, with paramedics and firefighters responding. The targeted area included a large container used as a shelter for dozens of families, surrounded by hundreds of tents. Gaza’s government office claimed that the Israeli army had designated these areas as safe zones and that displaced people were attacked while seeking refuge.

The airstrike occurred after rockets were fired at Tel Aviv, marking the first such attack on the city since January. The IDF reported that eight rockets were fired from Rafah, with several intercepted. Hamas claimed responsibility, stating it targeted Tel Aviv in response to Israel’s “massacres against civilians.”