Screaming children and scorched bodies: accounts of horror from the Rafah Refugee Camp

Post by : Kanchan Chandel

Photo-Reuters

The Rafah refugee camp in Gaza bore witness to scenes of horror and devastation following an Israeli airstrike on Sunday. Flames engulfed tents, and the cries of burn victims echoed through the air after the attack, attributed by the Gaza Health Ministry to Israeli forces targeting displaced Palestinians seeking shelter in the camps. 

The death toll from the overnight strikes rose to 45, according to Gaza's civil defense agency, which described the aftermath as a "massacre." Many bodies were charred beyond recognition, and numerous victims suffered severe injuries. 

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Mohammad al-Mughayyir, an official from the civil defense agency, recounted witnessing charred bodies and dismembered limbs, along with cases of amputations and injuries to children, women, and the elderly. 

Paramedics from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society worked tirelessly amidst chaotic scenes to evacuate the wounded, including many children. Survivors recalled the terrifying moments of the attack, with screams filling the night as flames engulfed the camp.

The Israeli army claimed to have targeted a Hamas compound in Rafah, resulting in the deaths of two senior Hamas operatives. They acknowledged reports of civilian casualties and stated that the incident was under investigation. 

Neighbouring Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar, condemned the attack, warning of its potential impact on ongoing truce and hostage release talks in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) described the attack as "horrifying," highlighting the dire conditions in Gaza. Images and videos from the site depicted fires raging through the camp and the desperate efforts to rescue survivors from the rubble.

By morning, the Rafah refugee camp lay in ruins, with charred remains of tents and vehicles scattered amidst the destruction. An aid group reported extensive damage to tents and facilities, in addition to the loss of lives and injuries.

Amidst the devastation, stories of survival emerged, with families miraculously escaping the inferno. However, the toll of the attack was severe, with many bodies severely burned and torn apart.

The conflict in Gaza, the deadliest in its history, has claimed thousands of lives and displaced countless civilians. Despite international warnings against escalating violence, the relentless assault continues, leaving communities devastated and traumatized.