At least 41 killed as Israeli forces strike on Gaza seafront cafe ahead of ceasefire talks

Gaza City, July 1 — An Israeli airstrike killed at least 41 people at a seafront café in Gaza on Sunday night. The café was crowded with families enjoying a brief escape from the ongoing war. This attack came just hours before new ceasefire talks were set to begin.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying. Flames engulfed nearby buildings. Shrapnel flew across the area, and panicked screams filled the air.

Civilians Caught in the Crossfire

Dr. Ashraf al-Qudra, a spokesperson for Gaza’s Health Ministry, confirmed the death toll. He stated that more than 60 people were also injured. Many of the wounded were in critical condition. Women and children were among the victims.

Mahmoud al-Sayid, a local resident, rushed to the café after the explosion. “People were bleeding and crying,” he said. “There was smoke everywhere. It was a nightmare.”

Rescue teams worked through the night to help survivors. Despite ongoing drone activity overhead, emergency crews managed to pull people from the debris.

Israel Defends the Strike

The Israeli military admitted it launched the strike. According to its statement, the café served as a Hamas command post. Israel said it based the attack on accurate intelligence and claimed efforts were made to limit civilian harm.

However, the military did not share evidence of militant activity at the site. Journalists and human rights groups questioned the justification for targeting such a public area.

Talks Undermined by Violence

The attack occurred just before a new round of ceasefire negotiations. Talks were scheduled in Doha, with mediation by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Officials hoped the talks would lead to a deal between Israel and Hamas.

Hamas condemned the strike. They called it an attempt to disrupt the peace efforts. In a public statement, Hamas said Israel must face consequences for its actions.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu avoided direct comment on the café attack. However, he reaffirmed Israel’s goal to continue military operations until Hamas is dismantled.

International Outcry Grows

Many countries and organizations responded with strong criticism. The United Nations expressed concern over civilian deaths. UN spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani called for an independent investigation into the strike.

“This attack appears to violate international humanitarian law,” she said.

The European Union urged both sides to show restraint. Turkey labeled the airstrike a “crime against humanity.” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said his team was reviewing the situation. He emphasized the urgent need to end the conflict.

“Every civilian death is a tragedy,” Blinken stated. “We remain committed to securing a lasting ceasefire.”

Casualties Continue to Climb

This latest strike added to a mounting toll. The war began in October 2023. Since then, Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported more than 38,000 deaths. Most were civilians. Israel contests this figure and claims many were militants.

Over 1,200 Israelis died during Hamas’s initial attack on October 7. More than 100 hostages remain in Gaza. The situation has created deep scars on both sides.

Gaza’s humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. The UN warns of a growing risk of famine. Hospitals are under immense pressure. Medical supplies are scarce, and power outages are common.

Hopes for Peace Grow Dim

Despite international efforts, violence continues to threaten peace. Some analysts believe Sunday’s strike could stall negotiations.

“Bombing a public area just before talks shows a lack of commitment to diplomacy,” said Dr. Lina Khoury, a Middle East conflict expert. “This move may harden Hamas’s stance.”

For Gaza’s people, survival remains the top concern. Outside the destroyed café, grief-stricken families waited for news.

“My son just wanted some fresh air,” said Um Khaled. Her 19-year-old son died in the attack. “He wasn’t a fighter. He just wanted to live.”