The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the escalating situation in Rafah, Gaza, following a devastating airstrike that killed dozens at a Palestinian refugee camp.
Diplomatic sources reported the upcoming council’s meeting, which aims to address the broader Middle East situation, including the Palestinian issue.
The meeting, requested by Algeria, a non-permanent member of the council, will be held behind closed doors, according to multiple diplomatic sources speaking to Agence France-Presse on Monday.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by a recent Israeli air raid in Rafah, which officials confirmed caused a massive fire, resulting in the tragic loss of 45 lives.
The incident has drawn international condemnation, with global leaders urging compliance with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling to halt Israeli military actions.
Palestinian families rushed to hospitals late Sunday night to prepare the deceased for burial after the attack ignited the camp’s dilapidated tents.
In response to the allegations, the Israeli military has initiated an investigation into the strike, which reportedly targeted Hamas leaders and inadvertently sparked the blaze.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the Knesset amid opposition jeers, stated the strike was not intended to harm civilians.
He highlighted the efforts to evacuate approximately one million non-combatants from Rafah, expressing regret over the tragic mishap.
The military confirmed that Sunday’s airstrike, based on “precise intelligence,” killed a top Hamas official in the West Bank and another senior leader responsible for attacks against Israelis.
The council’s emergency session marks a significant moment as the international community seeks resolutions to prevent further loss of innocent lives and stabilize the volatile situation in Gaza.
An incident unfolded at the Egypt-Israel border near Rafah as an Egyptian soldier was killed in a firefight between Egyptian and Israeli forces.
The clash has heightened tensions between the neighbouring countries.
