IDF Claims Killing of Hamas Commander Amid Devastating Civilian Casualties

Israeli forces conducted a strike on the al-Baqa cafe in Gaza City, killing a high-ranking Hamas commander alongside numerous civilians, provoking widespread outrage and concern over the civilian toll of military actions.

Israeli military officials reported the killing of Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh, head of Hamas's naval operations, in an airstrike that targeted the al-Baqa cafeteria in Gaza City on Monday. This strike was part of a broader operation against Hamas following the deadly October 7 assault by the group, which resulted in significant Israeli casualties.

In the attack, the IDF stated they also eliminated Hisham Ayman Atiya Mansour, deputy head of Hamas's mortar unit, and Nissim Muhammad Suleiman Abu Sabha. However, the strike raised alarm due to its high civilian casualties, with various sources, including families and medical personnel, indicating that the death toll reached at least 40. Among the deceased were individuals from diverse backgrounds, including students, artists, and local sports figures.

Witnesses described the al-Baqa cafe, known for its vibrant atmosphere, as a key social venue that had remained frequented even in wartime. The cafe's popularity was attributed in part to its reliable internet connectivity, making it a favored spot for gatherings.

Despite the claims of conducting strikes with careful consideration to avoid civilian harm, the IDF faced criticism for the incident and the loss of innocent lives. They acknowledged the review of the operation but did not elaborate on their civilian casualty assessment. Meanwhile, in Qatar, indirect discussions between Israel and Hamas have begun, focusing on proposals for a ceasefire and possible hostage negotiations as violence continues to escalate in the region. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, preliminary figures indicate that the ongoing conflict has claimed over 57,000 lives since the escalation began in October.