Israeli airstrike at Gaza City cafe kills over 30, including women and children

More than 30 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a café near the port in Gaza City, according to the head of the territory’s largest hospital. Dr. Mohammad Abu Silmiya, the director of Al-Shifa hospital, reported that at least 31 people died and 70 were injured in the strike. Videos verified by CNN show heavy smoke rising from the scene and significant damage to the café and its surroundings, with bodies being carried away on stretchers.

The Israel Defense Forces are investigating the circumstances of the strike. The Al-Baqa café was a popular spot for students, journalists, and remote workers, providing internet access and a workspace by the Mediterranean coast.

Dr. Silmiya mentioned that most of the casualties, including women and children, were students seeking internet access at the café. The hospital is facing a shortage of ICU beds and anesthetics to treat the injured, forcing them to provide treatment on the hospital floor due to the lack of available rooms and beds.

One of the victims was freelance journalist Ismail Abu Hatab, as confirmed by journalists at the scene. The Hamas-controlled Government Media Office stated that his death brings the total number of journalists killed by Israeli military actions in Gaza since October 2023 to 228.