Eric Patrick
An Israeli airstrike on Monday evening hit a popular café near Gaza City’s port, killing at least 40 people and injuring 75 others, according to officials at Gaza’s largest hospital.
The attack, which struck the Al-Baqa café, a known gathering spot for students, journalists, and remote workers occurred amid internal Israeli debate over the future of its military campaign in Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on July 7, where the war and a possible ceasefire will be key topics.
Dr. Mohammad Abu Silmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital, confirmed the casualties and said the facility is overwhelmed.
“Most of the casualties are women and children,” he said.
“Many were students using the café’s internet due to ongoing power outages.”
He added that several victims died overnight due to the lack of ICU beds and critical supplies, forcing doctors to treat the injured on the floor.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike in a statement, claiming it had targeted Hamas operatives in northern Gaza.
“Steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians using aerial surveillance,” the IDF said.
However, video footage seen on social media showed heavy destruction, with thick smoke rising over the area and bodies being carried out on stretchers.
Among those killed was freelance journalist Ismail Abu Hatab, according to local reporters.
The Hamas-run Government Media Office said Abu Hatab’s death brings to 228 the number of journalists killed by Israeli military action in Gaza since October 2023.
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The incident has intensified scrutiny of Israel’s military tactics just as Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from within his coalition.
Internal discussions are reportedly ongoing, with no clear consensus on whether to escalate the offensive or pursue a ceasefire.
Far-right ministers such as Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich are pushing for a more aggressive approach.
“Every day without a decisive move is a missed opportunity,” Ben Gvir reportedly told colleagues.
Others, including Aryeh Deri, have advocated for a hostage deal and de-escalation.
Netanyahu hinted at progress, saying Sunday that Israel’s recent military successes could open the door for a broader agreement.
“Many opportunities have opened up,” he said, referring to operations against Iran and their potential to secure the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
Sources close to the talks say Netanyahu hopes to finalize his strategy before his trip to Washington, where the course of the Gaza conflict will be central to discussions with Trump.