Netanyahu Admits ‘Tragic Error’ in Rafah Incident
Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas terrorists in Gaza led to the tragic deaths of Palestinian civilians in a tent city. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the “tragic mistake” that resulted in civilian casualties in Rafah earlier this week.
Mr. Netanyahu did not provide further details on the error. Israel’s military initially reported a precise airstrike on a Hamas compound on May 26, resulting in the deaths of two senior militants. However, as information about the strike unfolded, the military announced an investigation into the civilian deaths.
“Despite our best efforts to avoid harming innocent civilians, a tragic mistake occurred last night,” said Mr. Netanyahu in a speech to Israel’s parliament on May 27.
“We are conducting an investigation into the incident to establish the facts, as per our policy.”
Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, the Israeli military’s top legal official, expressed regret over the loss of civilian lives and stated that authorities were reviewing the strike.
Doctors Without Borders reported treating approximately 180 people wounded in the airstrike that took place on Sunday night in Rafah.
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“Women and children were among those brought to the stabilization point, underscoring the toll civilians are bearing in this conflict,” said Samuel Johann from the organization in a statement.
“This Israeli attack on a populated camp within a designated ‘safe zone’ in Rafah illustrates a blatant disregard for the lives of Gaza’s civilians,” he added.
Several European officials, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have condemned the airstrike and called for an immediate ceasefire. Germany’s Foreign Office echoed these sentiments.
“The disturbing images from the airstrike in Rafah, showing charred bodies, including children, are unbearable,” stated the German government.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident must be clarified, and an IDF investigation initiated promptly. It is imperative to enhance the protection of the civilian population in Gaza.”
Several U.S. Democratic lawmakers, such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), criticized the bombing of the refugee camp inside a designated safe zone.
“The assault on Rafah by Israel is deplorable. Israel must prioritize the protection of innocent civilians, as Palestinians seeking refuge in Rafah have no safe haven,” articulated Ms. Warren in a tweet.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) urged President Joe Biden to halt aid to Israel following the attack on the tent camp in Rafah.
“The IDF’s assault on innocents in Rafah is an indefensible tragedy,” stated the Democratic lawmaker in a tweet.
A White House spokesman, John Kirby, informed reporters that the Biden administration does not consider Israel’s actions to have crossed a red line necessitating changes in U.S. policy.
“The heart-wrenching images from this conflict, and the loss of innocent lives, are unacceptable,” the National Security Council spokesman remarked during a White House briefing.
He added, “While Israel has the right to target Hamas terrorists, we are deeply concerned about the civilian casualties. We await the outcome of Israel’s investigation into this incident.”
The United States will not suspend military aid to Israel despite the airstrike.
Mr. Netanyahu’s address to the Israeli Parliament follows the International Criminal Court’s announcement of an arrest warrant for him, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders.
Both Israel and the U.S. have criticized the ICC’s decision.
In an interview with CNN, Mr. Netanyahu expressed concerns that the ICC’s warrant endangers democratic nations by equating their leaders with terrorist groups like Hamas.
Israel asserts its commitment to following the laws of war, noting the challenges posed by an enemy that operates from civilian areas and holds Israeli hostages.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
