Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza

Gaza, Jul 3: An Israeli airstrike on a seafront cafe in western Gaza City has killed at least 24 civilians, sparking outrage and fresh war crime allegations. The strike reportedly involved a US-made MK-82 500lb (230kg) bomb, raising serious concerns over the use of heavy, indiscriminate weaponry in a densely populated civilian area.

The Al-Baqa cafe, a popular spot among journalists, artists, and local families, was hit on Monday without prior evacuation warnings from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). Among the dead were filmmaker Ismail Abu Hatab, a housewife, and a four-year-old child. Several others, including a 14-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl, were injured.

According to a Guardian report, international law experts say the strike may constitute a war crime under the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit attacks that cause disproportionate civilian harm.

Human Rights Watch’s Gerry Simpson noted the IDF acknowledged using aerial surveillance before the strike, meaning they were aware the cafe was crowded. “Using such a large weapon in an obviously crowded cafe risks being an unlawful, disproportionate or indiscriminate attack,” he said.

Legal scholars argue the military advantage of any such target must be significant to justify high civilian casualties. “It’s almost impossible to justify this kind of munition on a civilian location,” said Prof Marc Schack of the University of Copenhagen.

Once a rare oasis of normalcy amid devastation, the Al-Baqa cafe had recently resumed offering limited services like internet and tea. Owner Maher al-Baqa described it as a hub for youth and professionals seeking solace from Gaza’s war-torn reality.

“It was a massacre,” said eyewitness Ahmad al-Nayrab, who was nearby during the explosion. The IDF has said the incident is under review.