Statement from the US regarding Israel's Rafah attack

Responding to a question from an AA reporter regarding Israel's attack on Rafah, a White House National Security Council spokesperson, who requested anonymity, stated that they were saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the attack.

The US spokesperson used the expression, "The devastating images following the Israeli military's airstrike in Rafah last night, which killed dozens of innocent Palestinians, are heartbreaking."

Noting that Israel has the right to pursue Hamas and that two Hamas members were also killed in last night's attack, the spokesperson added, "However, we have been clear and consistent that Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians.

We are actively engaging with the Israeli military and other partners to understand what happened in the incident," they stated.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN's judicial organ, ruled in its provisional measures decision on May 24 that Israel must immediately halt its attacks on Rafah, not obstruct humanitarian aid, and allow UN officials tasked with investigating crimes to enter Gaza.

Israel launched an attack on the tents of displaced Palestinians in the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, where the ICJ had ordered a halt to attacks, and it was announced that at least 40 Palestinians lost their lives in the attack.

Eyewitnesses said, "The Israeli military's bombardment caused many tents in the camp to collapse and burn. This camp is not located in the area that the Israeli military had ordered to be evacuated in the city of Rafah, where thousands of displaced Palestinians live."

Witnesses stated that Israeli warplanes attacked the camp with at least 8 rockets.

News Source: AA