Israeli Airstrike Hits Gaza Beach Café, Killing 20

An Israeli air raid on western Gaza City struck a beachfront café on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 Palestinians, according to medics and eyewitnesses.

The strike targeted Al-Baqa Cafeteria, a coastal venue popular among residents, journalists, and activists. Emergency responders confirmed that 20 bodies had been recovered, along with several dozen injured individuals. Search operations are ongoing at the site, where the blast left a significant crater.

The Israeli military stated it targeted “several Hamas terrorists” in northern Gaza, and confirmed an internal review of the strike is underway.

“I was on my way to the café to use the internet just a few meters away when a massive explosion hit,” said Aziz Al-Afifi, a cameraman with a local production company.
“I ran to the scene. My colleagues were there, people I meet every day. The scene was horrific – bodies, blood, screaming everywhere.”

Footage shared online appeared to capture the moment of the explosion and its chaotic aftermath, showing bodies scattered on the sand near the beachfront café, which had been built using open-air tents.

Al-Baqa had grown into a gathering point for members of the media, digital workers, and community organizers due to its internet access and seating along Gaza’s Mediterranean shoreline.

The Israeli military added that “steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians using aerial surveillance,” and reiterated that “the incident is under review.”

This strike came amid a larger overnight offensive across the Gaza Strip, forcing large numbers of families to flee. Dozens of civilians were injured and five others killed in separate incidents, local sources reported. Many were rushed to Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City.

The escalation follows a major evacuation directive, one of the most expansive since hostilities resumed in March.

Amid calls for de-escalation, the pressure continues to mount on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On Saturday, US President Donald Trump stated that Netanyahu was actively seeking a deal with Hamas “right now”. This followed remarks from a senior Hamas official noting intensified mediation efforts for a new ceasefire and hostage agreement, though negotiations remain at an impasse.

An earlier ceasefire agreement that began in January fell apart by March after Israeli strikes resumed. Though that deal was supposed to unfold in three phases, it never advanced beyond the first.

Subsequently, Israel imposed a full halt to humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza. After 11 weeks and growing international pressure, the blockade was partially lifted, enabling limited aid under a newly created and controversial group — the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). While backed by Israel and the US, the GHF’s distribution efforts have been marred by recurring deadly incidents involving Palestinians trying to access aid.

Despite the worsening situation, Israeli forces continued launching aerial assaults on heavily populated zones in Gaza City — including Shujaiya, Tuffah, and Zeitoun neighborhoods. Online videos documented the widespread destruction, showing explosions, rising flames, and thick smoke engulfing residential districts.

One reported strike hit a school in Zeitoun being used as a shelter for displaced families.

“Explosions never stopped… it felt like earthquakes,” said Salah, 60, a father from Gaza City.
“In the news we hear a ceasefire is near, on the ground we see death and we hear explosions,” he added.

Five individuals were also confirmed dead in an attack on Al Shati refugee camp, west of the city.

Ahead of the bombardment, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had instructed residents to evacuate parts of northern Gaza. However, many civilians instead moved within Gaza City, opting not to relocate southward as advised.

“We had no choice but to leave everything behind,” said Abeer Talba, a mother of seven who fled Zeitoun.
“We got phone calls recordings in Arabic telling us we were in a combat zone and must evacuate immediately.
This is the seventh time we’ve been forced to flee,” she said. “We’re in the streets again, no food, no water. My children are starving. Death feels kinder than this.”

As humanitarian conditions worsen, concerns are growing that Israel may soon expand its ground operation deeper into Gaza territory.

Some Israeli media outlets have speculated that military leadership may be nearing the conclusion of the current phase of operations, as prolonged fighting risks shifting into a guerrilla-style conflict — with rising casualties among civilians, hostages, and soldiers.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s next steps remain under close watch. While he has historically favored continued military pressure on Hamas, international and domestic demands for a new ceasefire agreement are intensifying.

Israel’s latest military campaign was launched following a deadly attack in which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.

Since then, more than 56,000 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza’s Hamas-controlled health ministry.