Israel’s Bombing of Gaza Cafe Raises War Crime Concerns

International law experts and human rights groups are questioning the legality of Israel’s recent strike on a Gaza cafe using a U.S.-made 230kg bomb.

Strike on Crowded Cafe Kills Dozens

The Israeli military dropped a 500lb (230kg) MK-82 bomb on the al-Baqa cafe in Gaza City, reportedly killing 24 to 36 civilians, including children and artists.

Powerful Weapon Used in Civilian Area

The MK-82 bomb is a high-yield explosive known for its wide blast radius and fragmentation. Experts say using such a weapon in a populated area defies international norms.

Legal Experts Call It Disproportionate

International law prohibits attacks causing excessive civilian casualties. Experts say only an extremely high-value target could justify such losses.

IDF Says It Took Precautions

The Israeli Defense Forces stated they used air surveillance to minimize harm, but did not specify the intended target within the cafe.

Human Rights Watch Responds

Gerry Simpson of Human Rights Watch said knowing the cafe was crowded and still using a powerful bomb could make the strike a war crime.

Civilian Victims Include Women and Children

Casualties included a four-year-old, a housewife, and a well-known artist. Survivors include injured teenagers aged 12 and 14.

Experts Challenge Justification

Marc Schack of the University of Copenhagen called the justification “almost impossible.” Prior standards for high-value targets capped civilian losses at fewer than 30.

IDF Maintains Operational Flexibility

Earlier this year, the IDF said some missions require heavy munitions for success, especially against fortified or underground targets.

Gaza Residents Mourn Local Landmark

Al-Baqa cafe, a 40-year-old family-run business, was a rare leisure spot amid Gaza’s hardship. It was not located in a designated evacuation zone.