Israeli extremists celebrate attack on Rafah displacement camp

Following Israeli airstrikes on a displacement camp northwest of Rafah on May 26th that left at least 45 dead, right-wing Israeli public figures and journalists took to social media to celebrate the incident as the marker of a Jewish holiday, The New Arab and agencies reported. 

The attack targeted the Tal al-Sultan area with missiles and 2,000-pound bombs, Gaza’s government media office reported, igniting the camp’s tents where around 100,000 people had sought refuge. Men, women and children were burned alive

Israeli journalist and parliament member Yinon Magal, posted a widely shared video of the attack’s aftermath, captioning the footage of burning tents, “the main lighting this year in Rafah.” The post was quickly deleted from X after a wave of criticism — though it remained on Telegram for his approximate 70,000 followers to see. 

His caption appears to be in reference to the Jewish holiday of Lag BaOmer, during which worshippers light bonfires to symbolise spiritual light brought by second-century rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

READ: Dozens evacuate from Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital following strikes

Similarly, Israeli publicist and journalist for i24 and Yedioth Ahronoth news, Naveh Dromi, posted the same video with the caption “happy holidays.” The post has now been removed.

Influencer and rapper also ‘The Shadow’ used Telegram to share videos of mangled bodies being saved from the fire, encouraging others to watch it. Though another Telegram channel — with over 124,000 subscribers — posted the video with the caption “bro, listen to me, let the sweet potato stay in the fire for another five minutes, it will turn out delicious.” 

The Israeli army stated that May 26th’s “precise” attack targeted two senior Hamas officials, who they alleged had been killed. They added that Israel was “aware of reports” of civilian harm and that the “incident was under review.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Israel’s parliament, referring to the event as a “tragic incident.” 

The attack followed an official ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on May 24th, demanding that Israel “immediately halt” its offensive in Rafah. 

The New Arab and agencies

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