The recent Israeli airstrike on al-Baqa cafeteria in Gaza City not only killed a significant Hamas commander but also led to the deaths of dozens of civilians, igniting debates about the proportionality of military responses in conflict zones.
IDF Strikes Gaza Cafe, Claims Targeting Hamas Leader Amid Civilian Casualties

IDF Strikes Gaza Cafe, Claims Targeting Hamas Leader Amid Civilian Casualties
Israeli airstrike on a popular Gazan cafe reportedly takes out a Hamas commander but raises global concerns over high civilian casualties.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed a targeted strike on a seaside cafe in Gaza that claimed the lives of a Hamas commander and dozens of civilians. The attack, which occurred on Monday at the popular al-Baqa cafeteria in western Gaza City, reportedly killed Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh, a prominent figure associated with Hamas's naval operations, alongside two other militants. The IDF stated these individuals were involved in orchestrating "maritime terrorist attacks," emphasizing the strike's operational objectives.
Witnesses expressed shock over the scale of devastation, with the strike resulting in civilian casualties that NGOs and local sources estimate to be at least 40, including many women, children, and various community members such as artists and sports figures. Reports from Shifa Hospital, which treated the injured, indicated that many victims suffered severe injuries, and some were described to be "blown to pieces."
Despite the IDF's assertion that measures were taken to minimize civilian harm, they did not address why the collateral damage was so extensive. As examinations into the incident continue, there remains a persistent lack of clarity regarding military accountability and the criteria for determining proportionality in such strikes.
The aftermath of this attack coincides with renewed indirect discussions between Israel and Hamas in Qatar aiming to negotiate a ceasefire and the release of hostages taken during an earlier violent outbreak on October 7, 2023. The ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza have continued since that date, resulting in staggering human tolls, with at least 57,338 individuals reported dead in Gaza according to local health authorities.
The al-Baqa cafeteria, recognized for its lively atmosphere and stable internet connectivity, maintained its popularity even under conflict conditions, underscoring the heavy impact of the strike on the local community. As the IDF reiterates its commitment to neutralizing threats posed by Hamas, critics and human rights organizations increasingly question the ethical implications of military strategies in civilian areas.