United States President Joe Biden’s administration is aware of Israel’s latest attack on the Gazan city of Rafah, the White House told The Times of Israel. “We’re aware of the reports about the incident in Rafah and are gathering more information,” the White House said. Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry claimed at least 35 Palestinian civilians were killed in the strike.
Israeli Government spokesperson Avi Hyman told BBC on Monday that initial findings show that civilians who died in Rafah overnight likely lost their lives as a result of a fire that broke out following Israel’s air strikes aimed at “two high-value Hamas targets.” “The IDF [Israeli Defense Forces] investigates every accident of this nature to see what actually happened. Whereas Hamas runs to the media to tell tales that will help them propaganda-wise,” the spokesperson remarked. The death toll in the incident rose to 45, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, with numerous officials worldwide condeming the operation.