**Israeli Airstrike Devastates Gaza’s Al-Baqa Cafeteria**
In a shocking and deadly attack, at least 20 Palestinians have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on the popular Al-Baqa Cafeteria in western Gaza. The seaside venue was frequently used by activists, journalists, and remote workers.
Eyewitnesses describe the scene as “horrifying” with bodies scattered across the ground and screams echoing through the air. Rescue teams have evacuated dozens of wounded and are still searching for more victims trapped in the deep crater created by the explosion.
Cameraman Aziz Al-Afifi was just a few meters away from the café when the attack occurred. “I ran to the scene,” he told the BBC. “My colleagues, people I see every day, were there. The scene was horrifying – bodies, screams, and blood everywhere.”
Videos posted on social media by activists show a missile being fired by an Israeli warplane, followed by footage of the aftermath with bodies strewn across the ground.
**Wave of Airstrikes in Gaza**
The attack comes after Israel launched a wave of airstrikes overnight, causing the mass displacement of hundreds of Palestinian families. Local reports state that rescue teams recovered five bodies and dozens of injured civilians were evacuated to Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City.
This is not the first time Al-Baqa Cafeteria has been targeted. In March, Israel launched new strikes on Gaza, breaking a two-month ceasefire agreement. The bombardment comes amid increasing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refocus his efforts and reach a ceasefire.
**Humanitarian Crisis Worsens**
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, there are growing fears that the Israeli government is planning to expand its ground operation deeper into Gaza by implementing evacuation orders and air strikes. Former army leaders fear that the Gaza campaign will descend into a more attritional and guerrilla-style war, resulting in more deaths of civilians, soldiers, and hostages.
The next moves of Prime Minister Netanyahu are closely monitored, with speculation growing about some generals who are close to concluding military operations in Gaza. Many former army leaders share this view, fearing that the Gaza campaign will result in more deaths and suffering for civilians.
**International Pressure Grows**
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, international pressure grows on Israel to seek a new ceasefire. The US president has stated that Netanyahu is negotiating a Hamas deal “right now,” amid reports of mediators intensifying efforts to broker a ceasefire and release hostages in Gaza.
However, negotiations with Israel remain stalled, leading many to fear that the situation will only worsen for Palestinians in Gaza. As one resident, Salah, put it: “Explosions never stopped… It felt like earthquakes.”
“We had to leave everything behind,” said Abeer Talba, a mother who fled Zeitoun along with her family. “We received phone recordings in Arabic saying that we were in a war zone and had to evacuate immediately. This is our seventh time being forced to flee. We’re on the streets again. No food, no water. My children are starving.”
**Humanitarian Crisis Reaches Boiling Point**
As the humanitarian crisis reaches boiling point, there are growing fears that the Israeli government will expand its ground operation deeper into Gaza by implementing evacuation orders and air strikes.
The next moves of Prime Minister Netanyahu will be closely monitored, with speculation growing about some generals who are close to concluding military operations in Gaza. Many former army leaders share this view, fearing that the Gaza campaign will result in more deaths and suffering for civilians.
Read More @ www.bbc.com
