Israeli Strikes on Gaza Cafe Leave 74 Dead, Targeting Civilians Seeking Food, Health Officials Report
CAIRO — On Monday, Israeli airstrikes and gunfire in Gaza resulted in at least 74 deaths, with 30 casualties occurring at a crowded seaside cafe as civilians attempted to secure essential food aid. Witnesses recounted a harrowing airstrike on Al-Baqa Cafe in Gaza City, which was filled with women and children at the time. “Without warning, a warplane hit the place, shaking it like an earthquake,” stated survivor Ali Abu Ateila. The aftermath of the strikes has left dozens injured, many critically, according to Fares Awad, head of the Health Ministry’s emergency services in northern Gaza.
Additional strikes resulted in further casualties: 15 people died on a Gaza City street and six others were killed near Zawaida. Known for being one of the last operational businesses amidst the conflict, the cafe served as an essential gathering point for residents in need. Meanwhile, in Southern Gaza, Israeli forces shot and killed 11 individuals seeking food, as confirmed by various witnesses and hospital reports. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received the deceased who were struck while returning from an aid distribution site linked to the Israeli and U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund.
This pattern of violence has led to over 500 deaths in connection to the chaotic aid distribution during the past month. Eyewitnesses detailed moments of terror as Israeli troops opened fire on crowds returning from aid distribution centers. Monzer Hisham Ismail described how artillery targeted them, while Yousef Mahmoud Mokheimar recounted the chaotic scene as troops moved in tanks, firing warning shots before shooting into the crowds. The Israeli military is currently reviewing details of these incidents, asserting that it acts only against militants and claiming civilian casualties arise from Hamas’ tactic of using populated areas for its operations.
The bombardment across Gaza City and areas such as the Jabaliya refugee camp intensified, with Israel issuing evacuation orders for significant sections of northern Gaza. As the conflict continues, fatalities have surpassed 56,000, including numerous women and children, with the war’s origins traced back to the October 2023 Hamas attack that claimed around 1,200 lives and resulted in hostages.