Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the airstrike on Sunday at a tent camp northwest of the Gazan city of Rafah as a “tragic mistake.” Because nothing screams diplomacy quite like bombing a tent camp by accident. International condemnation grew faster than a desert weed. The death toll, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry, included 12 women and eight children, reminding us all that when things go wrong, they go really, really wrong.
In summary, the Middle East just added another entry to its “What Could Possibly Go Wrong?” list, and unfortunately, it's a long one.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the airstrike Sunday at a tent camp northwest of the Gazan city of Rafah a “tragic mistake” as international condemnation grew. It turns out, even in the Middle East, "oops" moments can be quite catastrophic.
The death toll, reported by the Hamas-run health ministry, included 12 women and eight children, proving once again that when things go wrong, they go spectacularly wrong. In his address to the Knesset, Netanyahu said, “Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night there was a tragic mistake.” Translation: "We aimed for the bad guys, but somehow missed and hit everything else."
Israel claimed the attack was based on “precise intelligence,” and that it successfully killed two “senior” Hamas officials. It’s like claiming you hit the bullseye in darts, but somehow managed to also take out the pub’s window, a couple of tables, and the bartender.
Images of the strike’s aftermath and casualties went viral faster than a cat video, causing French President Emmanuel Macron to say he was “outraged.” Qatar, a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, suggested it would hinder cease-fire talks and hostage negotiations. It’s like trying to negotiate with your sibling after they’ve just eaten the last piece of cake – nobody’s in the mood anymore.
The White House expressed that images of innocent civilians killed in the strike were “heartbreaking.” Meanwhile, Axios reported that the Biden administration is reviewing whether the strike violated a US “red line” on Israel’s conduct of the war. Apparently, there are lines even in the sandbox of international conflicts, and Israel might have colored outside of them.
The incident adds to a series of events ramping up pressure on Israel to end the war. Last Friday, the International Court of Justice gave a ruling many interpreted as a command to halt military activities in Gaza. Additionally, the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court is seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as leaders of Hamas. Talk about sending out invites to the world’s most awkward dinner party.
On Tuesday, Spain, Ireland, and Norway plan to formally recognize a Palestinian state, going against Israel's wishes. It’s like deciding to have a party while your neighbor’s house is on fire – bold, but a bit ill-timed.
Despite mounting global pressure, Israel seems unlikely to change its strategy. It helps that the US, its main ally, continues to “shield” it from serious repercussions. It’s nice to have a friend who always has your back, even if you’re the one breaking the windows.
Separately, Egypt’s military confirmed one of its guards died at the Rafah border crossing on Monday. The Israel Defense Forces mentioned “a shooting incident occurred on the Egyptian border” and that discussions with Egypt were ongoing. The details were as clear as mud.
Israeli troops started operations around Rafah’s outskirts earlier this month, with Netanyahu stating Israel will attack the city because it’s the last bastion of Hamas. The US and others fear mass casualties among Palestinian civilians and have urged Israel to reconsider or scale back the assault. It's like telling someone with a sledgehammer to be gentle – not an easy task.
In the past three weeks, around one million civilians have fled Rafah, with Israeli forces urging them to move to tented camps elsewhere in Gaza. The city’s population had swelled to about 1.4 million, as it was one of the few perceived safe zones. Now, it’s more like a game of musical chairs, but with fewer chairs and a lot more danger.
“Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians,” the US National Security Council said. “But as we’ve been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians.” In other words, it’s fine to play the game, but maybe stop accidentally hitting the bystanders.
The US and others have voiced concerns about an Israeli attack on Rafah worsening ties with Egypt. The two countries signed a peace deal in 1979, which is crucial to Israel’s security. Egypt was the first Arab state to recognize Israel, so it’s like trying not to upset your oldest friend – definitely a delicate balancing act.
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