TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that a “tragic mistake” was made in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah that set fire to a camp housing displaced Palestinians and, according to local officials, killed at least 45 people.

The strike only added to the surging international criticism Israel has faced over its war with Hamas, with even its closest allies expressing outrage at civilian deaths. Israel insists it adheres to international law even as it faces scrutiny in the world’s top courts, one of which last week demanded that it halt the offensive in Rafah.

“Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night there was a tragic mistake,” Netanyahu said Monday in an address to Israel’s parliament. “We are investigating the incident and will obtain a conclusion because this is our policy.”

Mohammed Abuassa, who rushed to the scene in the northwestern neighborhood of Tel al-Sultan, said rescuers “pulled out people who were in an unbearable state.”

“We pulled out children who were in pieces. We pulled out young and elderly people. The fire in the camp was unreal,” he said.

    • Linkerbaan@lemmy.worldOP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      16
      arrow-down
      5
      ·
      7 months ago

      Biden recently stated that israel is not commiting Genocide and denied their war crimes.

      If Biden was against weapons shipments he should invoke Leahy law as he is required to do.

      May Biden rot in jail.

    • mlg@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      7
      arrow-down
      3
      ·
      7 months ago

      Executive Power

      Congress sitting on their ass and not utilizing the Leahy law which would curb the above.

      Aside from large weapon sales and national budget plans, Biden gets exclusive power to approve or deny weapon shipments and sales below $100 million and $20 million for high tech.