The Israeli military has initiated a review into a deadly airstrike that hit a popular seafront cafe in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 Palestinians, according to local rescue workers.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, July 1, targeted the Al-Baqa cafe, a well-known gathering point along the coastal promenade in the northern part of the city.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the airstrike, saying it had aimed at “several Hamas terrorists” operating in the area.
An army spokesperson stated that precautions were taken prior to the strike, including aerial surveillance, to minimize harm to civilians. However, the spokesperson added that the attack is now under internal review.
Gaza’s civil defence services reported that the strike killed 24 people and injured dozens more. Among the casualties was Palestinian journalist Ismail Abu Hatab, according to eyewitnesses and media sources on the ground.
Eyewitness Ahmad al-Nayrab, who was nearby at the time of the explosion, described the aftermath as a “massacre,” recounting scenes of chaos, screaming, and mutilated bodies.
The Al-Baqa cafe had become a rare refuge for locals amid over 20 months of intense conflict. It offered internet access and recreational space for families who had not been displaced by the ongoing war.
Due to Israeli restrictions on media access within Gaza and the volatile security situation, independent verification of the casualty figures remains difficult.
Nevertheless, international media agencies such as AFP continue to report based on information from local officials and eyewitness accounts.
The strike comes amid stagnant diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war. Although Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict, suggested over the weekend that a “window of opportunity” had emerged for a possible truce—following a temporary de-escalation between Israel and Iran—there has been no concrete progress toward renewed negotiations.
Israel’s military offensive was launched in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages. According to the Israeli army, 49 of those hostages remain in Gaza, with 27 confirmed dead.
Since the start of Israel’s retaliatory campaign, over 56,500 Palestinians—mostly civilians—have been killed, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. The United Nations has assessed the ministry’s casualty figures as generally credible.
As global scrutiny over civilian deaths in Gaza intensifies, the outcome of Israel’s internal review into the Al-Baqa cafe strike is expected to draw significant international attention.
