An Israeli air strike targeted a well-known seafront cafe in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 individuals and the injury of many more. The incident occurred at Al-Baqa Cafeteria, an outdoor venue along the beach that was frequented by journalists, activists, and local residents.
The cafe had become a popular space for remote workers, offering internet access, seating, and workspace along Gaza's Mediterranean coast. A spokesperson for Gaza's Hamas-run Civil Defence informed the BBC that rescue teams evacuated 20 bodies and many injured from the scene.
Emergency crews are still searching through a deep crater left by the explosion, and the scene was described as "horrific" by Aziz Al-Afifi, a cameraman with a local production company who witnessed the aftermath. Videos posted on social media show the moment a missile, reportedly fired from an Israeli warplane, struck the area.
The attack follows a wave of overnight air strikes by Israel across the Gaza Strip, which displaced hundreds of Palestinian families, according to witnesses. The bombardment comes as US President Donald Trump stated on social media that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working on negotiating a ceasefire agreement with Hamas "right now."
The attack at Al-Baqa Cafeteria is just one of the recent incidents of violence in the region. Residents in Gaza City have reported dozens of Israeli air raids targeting densely populated eastern neighborhoods, including Shujaiya, Tuffah, and Zeitoun. Videos posted on social media capture scenes of chaos and explosions illuminating the night sky, followed by flames and thick plumes of smoke rising above the skyline.
Amid the growing humanitarian crisis, fears are mounting that the evacuation orders and sustained air strikes are part of a broader Israeli plan to expand its ground offensive deeper into Gaza. However, there is speculation in Israeli media that some generals are close to concluding that military operations in Gaza are near to being achieved.
The Israeli prime minister's next moves are being closely watched, as Netanyahu faces increasing pressure at home and abroad to pursue a new ceasefire agreement. The Israeli military launched its bombardment of Gaza in response to the attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
More than 56,000 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.
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