Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza Tents Result in Civilian Casualties, Including Children
Recent Israeli airstrikes targeting tent encampments in Gaza have led to significant civilian casualties, including children, raising international concern over the ongoing conflict’s impact on non-combatants.​
In the southern Gaza city of Rafah, an Israeli airstrike on a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians resulted in the deaths of at least 45 individuals, many of whom were women and children. The strike ignited a massive blaze, overwhelming nearby medical facilities and drawing condemnation from global leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed outrage, emphasizing the lack of safe areas for civilians in Rafah and calling for adherence to international law and an immediate ceasefire. ​
Khan Younis, designated by Israel as a “safe humanitarian zone,” multiple airstrikes have resulted in civilian deaths. On January 2, 2025, an Israeli airstrike killed at least 13 Palestinians, including four children and three women, and injured 15 others. Earlier, on January 7, 2025, a drone strike in the same area killed four Palestinian children and injured ten others, most of whom were also children. ​
These incidents underscore the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 51,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict’s escalation in October 2023. The targeting of areas previously designated as safe zones has intensified scrutiny of Israel’s military operations and prompted calls for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law.​
The international community continues to urge for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians, emphasizing the need for all parties to respect the rules of war and prioritize humanitarian considerations.
