Key Points
- At least 74 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes and gunfire in Gaza on Monday
- Airstrike on Al-Baqa beachfront cafe in Gaza City kills over 30, mostly women and children
- Israeli troops open fire on crowds seeking food aid; multiple fatalities reported
- Death toll in Gaza since October 2023 surpasses 56,500
- Netanyahu claims ‘Middle East will collapse without Israel’ ahead of Washington visit for ceasefire talks
Gaza: A devastating series of Israeli military actions on Monday left at least 74 Palestinians dead in Gaza, including more than 30 people killed in a single airstrike on the popular Al-Baqa beachfront cafe in Gaza City. The cafe, one of the few businesses still operating during the 20-month war, was crowded with women, children, students, and journalists seeking internet access and a brief respite from the devastation.
Airstrike Hits Al-Baqa Cafe During Peak Hours
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and horror as an Israeli warplane struck the cafe without warning, shaking the area like an earthquake. The blast obliterated the cafe, leaving bloodied bodies and shattered belongings scattered across the site. Medical officials at Al-Shifa Hospital confirmed that most of the victims were women and children, with dozens more injured, many critically.
Among the dead was freelance journalist Ismail Abu Hatab, while another journalist, Bayan Abu Sultan, was wounded. The strike occurred in a dense urban area not included in Israeli evacuation orders, raising further questions about civilian safety.
Israeli Troops Fire on Palestinians Seeking Food Aid
In a separate incident, Israeli forces opened fire on crowds of Palestinians desperately seeking food aid, killing at least 23 people in northern Gaza. Witnesses described indiscriminate gunfire as people returned from an aid distribution site supported by the Israeli and U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund. Over the past month, more than 500 Palestinians have reportedly died during chaotic aid distributions, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis.
Additional Strikes and Rising Civilian Toll
Elsewhere in Gaza City, two more Israeli strikes killed at least 15 people on a city street, while an airstrike on a building in Zawaida claimed six more lives. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with critical shortages of ICU beds and medical supplies, forcing staff to treat the wounded on floors.
Gaza’s Death Toll Surpasses 56,500 Since October 2023
The United Nations and Gaza health officials report that over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in just the past two weeks, pushing the total death toll since October 7, 2023, to more than 56,500. The majority of victims are civilians, with women and children making up a significant portion of the casualties.
Netanyahu: “Middle East Will Collapse Without Israel”
Amid mounting international pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that “the Middle East will collapse without Israel” in a speech to military leaders. Netanyahu is set to visit Washington next week for high-stakes talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, where a Gaza ceasefire is expected to dominate discussions.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The latest attacks come as Gaza’s humanitarian situation grows ever more desperate. Food, water, and medical supplies remain scarce, and aid distribution has become increasingly dangerous due to ongoing violence. The United Nations has repeatedly called for immediate international action to halt the unfolding catastrophe and ensure accountability for attacks on civilians.
