Israel faces new condemnation over Rafah strikes

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike where displaced people were staying in Rafah (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Israel is facing new condemnation for strikes on the Gaza city of Rafah that local health officials said killed at least 45 Palestinians, including displaced people living in tents that were engulfed by fire.

Israel has faced surging international criticism over its war with Hamas, with even some of its closest allies, particularly the United States, expressing outrage at civilian deaths. Israel asserts that it adheres to international law even as it faces scrutiny in the world’s top courts, one of which last week demanded that it halt its offensive in Rafah.