45 Dead In Massive Fire Triggered By Strike

Israel airstrike on Gaza refugee camp kills dozens

45 dead in massive fire triggered by strike

CAIRO/JERUSALEM, May 27 (Reuters) - An Israeli airstrike triggered a fire that killed 45 people in a tent camp in the Gaza city of Rafah on Friday, Palestinian medical officials said.

The strike, which also wounded 150 people, was the deadliest single incident in the current round of violence between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist group that rules Gaza.

The Israeli military said it had targeted a Hamas weapons depot in the camp, but witnesses said the strike had hit a civilian area.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said the camp was home to some 1,600 refugees who had been displaced from their homes by previous Israeli military operations.

The strike drew condemnation from the international community, with the United Nations calling for an independent investigation.

"This is a horrific incident and a grave violation of international law," said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The Israeli government expressed regret for the civilian casualties, but said it was justified in targeting Hamas.

"We deeply regret the loss of innocent life, but Hamas bears responsibility for this tragedy," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The strike came as the death toll from the current round of violence between Israel and Hamas rose to over 100.

**Conclusion**

The Israeli airstrike on the Gaza refugee camp has been condemned by the international community as a grave violation of international law. The strike has also raised serious questions about the proportionality of Israel's response to the rocket fire from Hamas.