Gaza Cafe Massacre Airstrike Turns Waterfront to Warzone

Israeli Strike on Gaza City Waterfront Cafe Kills Dozens, Sparking Outrage

Tragedy struck Gaza City on Monday night as an Israeli airstrike decimated the popular Al-Baqa cafe, leaving a devastating toll of lives and injuries in its wake. According to Dr. Mohammad Abu Silmiya, director of Al-Shifa hospital, at least 41 people were killed and 75 others wounded in the attack near the city's port.

Videos geolocated by CNN paint a grim picture of the aftermath, showing thick plumes of smoke rising from the scene and widespread destruction encompassing the cafe and its surrounding area. The footage also depicted bodies being carried away on stretchers, a stark reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has acknowledged the incident, stating that it is "under review." In a statement to CNN, the IDF said, “Earlier today (Monday), the IDF struck several Hamas terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip. Prior to the strike, steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians using aerial surveillance.”

Al-Baqa cafe, a beloved gathering place for students, journalists, and remote workers seeking internet access and a workspace by the Mediterranean coast, now stands as a symbol of loss and devastation. Its closure earlier in the conflict was already a blow to the community, and its recent reopening was seen as a sign of hope, a chance for residents to "vent and for those seeking education and don’t have electricity and internet," according to general manager Said Ahel. That hope has now been tragically extinguished.

Among the victims was 17-year-old Sama Abu Namous, who was at the cafe studying for her high school exams – a particularly cruel irony given that schools in Gaza have been suspended for nearly two years. Her family's grief is palpable. “She was studying for her high school exam, and was heading home after. We suddenly find out she’s killed… Children are dying everyday. What are we negotiating over? The blood of our children?” her aunt lamented.

Here's what we know so far:

• Confirmed Casualties: At least 41 dead, 75 injured.
• Victim Profile: Dr. Silmiya reports that "most of the casualties are women and children," including many students seeking internet access.
• Cafe Impact: General manager Said Ahel stated that 11 employees were killed and 5 injured. A birthday party was reportedly taking place at the time of the strike.
• Hospital Overwhelmed: Al-Shifa hospital is facing a critical shortage of ICU beds and anesthetics, forcing them to treat the injured on the floor.
• Journalist Killed: Freelance journalist Ismail Abu Hatab was among those killed, bringing the total number of journalists killed in Gaza since October 2023 to 228, according to the Hamas-controlled Government Media Office.

The timing of the strike is particularly sensitive, occurring as Israeli leaders are debating the future course of the war in Gaza ahead of a planned meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump on July 7.

Reportedly, Netanyahu is trying to reach a decision before his trip to Washington, DC, to meet Trump. Trump has openly pushed for an end to the war in Gaza, saying on Friday a ceasefire will be agreed to “within a week.”

This devastating event underscores the urgent need for de-escalation and a renewed commitment to protecting civilian lives. The loss of innocent individuals, including children striving for an education, serves as a stark reminder of the profound human cost of this ongoing conflict. The world watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift path towards peace and lasting security for all.

Tags: Gaza airstrike, Israeli strike, Gaza City, Al-Shifa hospital, Hamas, IDF, Middle East conflict, Cafe bombing, Civilian casualties, Palestine

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/30/middleeast/israeli-strike-gaza-city-cafe-latam-intl