Protests Erupt in Beirut and Tunis Over Israeli Airstrike on Rafah Tent Camp That Killed 45

An Israeli airstrike on a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah, Gaza Strip, killed at least 45 people on Sunday, sparking widespread international condemnation and protests in Beirut and Tunis.

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Beirut and Tunis to condemn Israel's airstrike on the Rafah tent camp in the Gaza Strip. According to Israel, the strike targeted a Hamas compound but resulted in a devastating blaze that tore through the camp, trapping dozens of people in makeshift housing and flimsy tents. Eyewitnesses described a horrific scene, with fires engulfing the area and parents burned alive while children screamed for help.

Why this matters: The Israeli airstrike on a tent camp in the Gaza Strip has sparked widespread international condemnation and protests, highlighting the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in the region. The attack's aftermath may lead to further diplomatic tensions and calls for accountability, potentially impacting the fragile Middle East peace process.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the strike a 'tragic mistake' and promised an investigation. The Israeli military had previously referred to a targeted strike on a Hamas compound using precise munitions and intelligence. The Israel Defense Forces said two militants were killed in the attack, including the commander of Hamas operations in the West Bank.

The international community reacted swiftly. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his 'outrage' and called for an immediate ceasefire, stating, 'These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians.' The White House also called on Israel to protect civilians, describing the images from Rafah as 'heartbreaking.'

The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss the airstrike, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a blistering condemnation, calling for immediate action. The International Court of Justice had ordered Israel to halt its military operation in Rafah just days before the airstrike.

Protests erupted in Beirut and Tunis, with demonstrators expressing outrage and solidarity with the Palestinian people. The attack has further strained relations between Israel and several European countries, with Spain, Ireland, and Norway set to formally recognize a Palestinian state.

In a heart-wrenching scene, Mohammad Al Haila, 35, lost seven relatives in the attack, including four children. Ahmed Al Rahl, 30, described the chaos and desperation as people tried to save their loved ones from the burning tents. Mohammad Abu Shahma, 45, found his brother and 3-year-old niece dead, with shrapnel wounds to the chest and head.

Key Takeaways

• Israeli airstrike on Gaza Strip kills at least 45 people, sparks global outrage.
• Airstrike targeted Hamas compound, but hit nearby tent camp, causing devastating blaze.
• International community condemns attack, calls for immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians.
• UN Security Council holds emergency meeting, while protests erupt in Beirut and Tunis.
• Humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with over 36,000 killed and nearly 1 million displaced since October 7.