IDF Claims Hamas Commander Killed in Gaza Cafe Strike Amid Civilian Casualties
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that a significant Hamas commander, Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh, responsible for planning maritime attacks, was killed in a strike on the popular al-Baqa cafe in Gaza City. The IDF also reported the deaths of Hisham Ayman Atiya Mansour, deputy head of Hamas’s mortar unit, and Nissim Muhammad Suleiman Abu Sabha, in the same operation. The strike, which occurred on Monday, has drawn international attention due to the high number of civilian casualties, with reports indicating dozens of people were killed, including women and children.
The IDF asserted that Saleh was a “significant source of knowledge” within Hamas and had been implicated in planning and advancing “maritime terrorist attacks.” While the IDF maintains it took “steps to mitigate the risk of harming civilians,” details regarding the specific measures and the reasons for the extensive civilian deaths have not been elaborated upon.
The victims of the strike included a diverse range of individuals, with at least nine women, several children, and teenagers among the reported dead. The casualties encompassed artists, students, social activists, a female boxer, a footballer, and cafe staff, painting a tragic picture of the widespread impact of the operation on Gaza’s community. Staff at Shifa Hospital reported receiving bodies from the attack, with the toll rising to 40 dead, including those who succumbed to their injuries and unidentified individuals. Some bodies were reportedly “blown to pieces,” and the hospital treated 72 injured patients, many with severe burns and requiring surgery.
The al-Baqa Cafeteria was known as a scenic and vibrant meeting spot in Gaza, maintaining its popularity even during the ongoing conflict, largely due to its reliable internet connection. The IDF has stated that the “incident” is “under review” and reiterated its commitment to operating against Hamas to eliminate threats to Israeli civilians.
This incident occurs as indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, mediated in Qatar, aim to secure a ceasefire and a hostage release deal. The ongoing conflict, which began after the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel, has led to a significant loss of life in Gaza, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting at least 57,338 casualties since the Israeli military campaign began.