Deadly Israeli Attack on Gaza Beachside Cafe Leaves 20 Dead, Witnesses Recount Horror

In a devastating turn of events, at least 20 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli air strike that targeted a frequented seafront cafe in western Gaza on Monday. The incident occurred at Al-Baqa Cafeteria, a well-known spot for journalists, activists, and locals, which provided internet access, seating, and workspace along Gaza's Mediterranean coast.

Rescue teams have recovered 20 bodies and treated numerous injured individuals from the scene, according to a spokesperson for Gaza's Hamas-run Civil Defence. The spokesperson added that emergency services were still searching through the debris left by the explosion, which created a deep crater.

One eyewitness, Aziz Al-Afifi, a cameraman with a local production company, shared his harrowing account of the attack with the BBC. He was on his way to the cafe when a massive explosion occurred, mere meters away. Upon reaching the scene, he found friends and acquaintances among the victims. The aftermath was described as horrific, with bodies, blood, and screams everywhere.

Videos posted on social media seemingly show the moment a missile, allegedly fired from an Israeli warplane, struck the area, followed by the aftermath of the attack, displaying bodies scattered across the ground.

The Israeli military has yet to comment on the attack. The incident comes after a series of overnight air strikes by Israel in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of Palestinian families, according to witnesses.

The bombardment follows one of the largest evacuation orders since the conflict resumed in March. The ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis have raised concerns about the possibility of a broader Israeli ground offensive in Gaza.

Amidst growing international pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate a ceasefire agreement, US President Donald Trump stated on social media that Netanyahu was working towards negotiating a deal with Hamas "right now."

Since the controversy surrounding the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), there have been almost daily incidents of killings and injuries of Palestinians seeking aid. Eyewitnesses and medics have accused Israel of responsibility, although Israel maintains that it has only fired warning shots towards individuals deemed a threat.

Residents in Gaza City have reported dozens of Israeli air raids targeting densely populated eastern neighborhoods, including Shujaiya, Tuffah, and Zeitoun. The ongoing violence has left many fearing for their lives and the future of the region.