Israeli Airstrike Kills 45 in Gaza Camp

By Chantal Da Silva and Josh Lederman

TEL AVIV, Israel

At least 45 people, including women and children, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a camp for displaced Palestinians in the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Monday, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS).

Many of those who died were burned alive inside their tents, the PRCS said. The airstrike also triggered a fire that destroyed dozens of tents, leaving hundreds of people homeless.

The Israeli military said it was targeting a group of militants who were firing rockets at Israel. However, witnesses said that the airstrike hit a civilian area.

The attack has drawn condemnation from the international community, including the United Nations, which called it a "violation of international law."

The Israeli government has defended the airstrike, saying that it was necessary to protect its citizens from rocket attacks. However, critics have accused Israel of using excessive force and targeting civilians.