An Israeli airstrike caused a fire that killed 45 people in a Rafah tent camp in Gaza, officials reported on Monday, May, 27th. This incident prompted an outcry from global leaders, urging adherence to a World Court order to halt Israel’s assault.

Palestinian families rushed to hospitals late Sunday night, May, 26th, to prepare their dead for burial after the strike ignited tents and fragile metal shelters.

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Israel’s military stated it was investigating reports that the fire was caused by a strike targeting commanders of an Islamist militant group in Rafah.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said the strike was not intended to cause civilian casualties.

Survivors said families were preparing to sleep when the strike hit Tel Al-Sultan, where thousands had sought shelter after Israeli forces launched a ground offensive in Rafah over two weeks ago.

More than half of the victims were women, children, and older people, according to health officials in Gaza, who warned the death toll could rise due to severe burns.

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Israel’s military stated that Sunday’s strike, based on “precise intelligence,” eliminated Hamas’ chief of staff for the West Bank and another official responsible for deadly attacks on Israelis. This followed the interception of eight rockets fired toward Israel from Rafah.

Despite a UN court ruling on Friday, May, 24th, ordering it to halt, Israel has continued its offensive, citing the court’s allowance for some military action. The court also reiterated calls for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

The Arab Weekly, NDTV World