Israel's strike on bustling Gaza cafe killed a Hamas operative - but dozens more people were killed

In Gaza City, a popular seaside cafe called al-Baqa Cafeteria was struck by an Israeli air strike, resulting in the deaths of dozens of people. The cafe was a lively place where artists, students, athletes, and families gathered to relax, enjoy drinks, and spend time together. On the day of the attack, people were sitting at tables, some scrolling on their phones, others chatting with friends, and a family was even singing 'Happy Birthday' to a child. In a quiet corner, a Hamas operative, dressed in regular clothes, arrived and sat down. Without warning, a bomb dropped by Israeli forces exploded, destroying the cafe and causing chaos.

After the explosion, people rushed into the streets and back into the cafe, searching for survivors. Witnesses described the scene as horrific, with bodies, blood, and screams everywhere. The destruction was total, and many called it a massacre. The BBC confirmed that at least 29 people were killed in the strike, including women, children, and teenagers. Among the victims were artists, students, social activists, a female boxer, a footballer, and several cafe staff. The number of deaths matched reports from local medical sources and the Palestinian Red Crescent. Shifa Hospital, which received the victims, reported that the death toll had reached 40, with many more injured, some suffering from severe burns and injuries that required surgery.

The Israeli military said the strike was aimed at targeting 'terrorists' and that they used aerial surveillance to try to avoid harming civilians. However, the high number of civilian casualties has raised questions about whether the attack was proportionate. The military did not answer questions about the specific target or whether the number of civilian deaths was acceptable. According to sources, the main target was Hisham Ayman Mansour, a Hamas field commander, who was in the men's section of the cafe. He was killed in the strike, along with two family members, one of whom was a child. Some sources said he was there for a 'money drop,' while others believed he was simply having coffee.

The cafe was well-known in Gaza for its beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and its reliable internet connection. It was a favorite spot for journalists and locals alike, even during the war. The manager said they had strict rules to keep everyone safe, not allowing anyone who looked like a target inside. On the day of the attack, the area was not under evacuation orders, and people felt as safe as possible. The strike happened in the early afternoon, outside the cafe's busiest hours, and hit a part of the men's section where few people were present.

Experts who examined photos of the crater and bomb fragments believed the explosion was caused by a bomb dropped from a warplane, not a missile or drone. The bomb was estimated to weigh up to 500 pounds. The Israeli military would not comment on the type of weapon used. Some sources said multiple Hamas operatives were hit, but only Hisham was confirmed as a member of the group killed at the cafe. Many others, including civilians, were injured, some losing limbs or suffering severe wounds.

The aftermath of the strike was heartbreaking. Among the debris were personal items like a pink and white teddy bear, a child's shoe, and playing cards stained with blood. Survivors described finding the bodies of waiters and workers, some of whom died while being rescued. Families mourned their loved ones, including a 17-year-old girl named Sama who had gone to the cafe to study and was killed, while her brother was injured.

The community also lost well-known figures like Malak Musleh, a young female boxer, and Amina Omar Al-Salmi, an artist whose work is now being shared online in her memory. The attack has left many in Gaza devastated, questioning the fairness and necessity of such strikes, especially when so many innocent lives are lost. The Israeli military says it is reviewing the incident, but for the families affected, the pain and loss are overwhelming.