Israeli airstrikes targeted the southern Gaza city of Rafah overnight, resulting in the tragic deaths of 22 individuals, including 18 children, as confirmed by authorities. These strikes occurred amidst ongoing discussions in the United States regarding the approval of an additional allocation of military aid for Israel, which has long been a close ally.

Unfortunately, Rafah has become a frequent target for Israeli bombings, as it has provided refuge for over half of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million amidst the persistent conflict in the besieged territory.

Despite international appeals for restraint, including from the United States, Israel has indicated its intent to continue its ground offensive in Rafah, even up to its border with Egypt.

The initial attack in Rafah claimed the lives of a man, his wife, and their three-year-old son, while the woman was pregnant and the doctors were able to save the unborn baby, according to a nearby Kuwaiti hospital that received the victims’ bodies.

In the second attack, 17 children and two women from the same family were tragically killed, as reported by the hospital. Rescue efforts are underway to search for survivors amidst the rubble. It is important to note that the night before, nine individuals, including six children, lost their lives in a previous bombing in Rafah. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has already led to the devastating loss of over 34,000 Palestinian lives.