Damage at the cafe near the port in Gaza City on June 30, 2025, following an Israeli airstrike.
A devastating Israeli airstrike on a coastal cafe in Gaza City has left at least 41 people dead and 75 injured, according to health officials. The Al-Baqa cafe, located near the port, was a popular hangout for students, remote workers, and journalists. It became the latest scene of destruction in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
A Peaceful Spot Turned to Rubble
On Monday evening, an Israeli strike hit the busy cafe, reducing it to debris. The blast occurred while many civilians were present, seeking internet access and a quiet place to work. Dr. Mohammad Abu Silmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital—the largest medical facility in Gaza—confirmed the rising toll.
Videos show heavy smoke, shattered buildings, and victims being carried away on stretchers.
“This was a civilian area,” Dr. Silmiya stressed. “Most of the casualties are women and children. Many were students using the internet.”
Hospitals Overwhelmed and Supplies Dwindling
Gaza’s healthcare system is already in crisis. The hospital director reported a critical shortage of ICU beds and anesthetics. With medical rooms fully occupied, injured victims are now being treated on the hospital floors.
“We’re working under impossible conditions,” Silmiya said.
“More lives may be lost due to the lack of resources.”
Among the dead is Ismail Abu Hatab, a freelance journalist. His death marks the 228th journalist killed in Gaza by Israeli military actions since October 2023, according to the Hamas-controlled Government Media Office.
IDF Responds to Civilian Casualties
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a brief statement, confirming strikes on several Hamas targets in northern Gaza.
They said precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties, including aerial surveillance.
However, the IDF did not confirm if the Al-Baqa cafe was a specific target and stated that the incident is "under review."
Rising Tensions Ahead of High-Level Talks
This attack comes at a sensitive political moment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump on July 7. Talks are underway among Israeli leadership to finalize a unified stance on Gaza ahead of the meeting.
According to a source close to the discussions, no concrete decision has been reached after two days of meetings. However, Netanyahu is reportedly open to a potential ceasefire agreement.
Trump has publicly urged for an end to the conflict, stating just days earlier that a ceasefire could be achieved “within a week.”
Deep Divide Among Israeli Leadership
Israeli leadership remains divided on the next steps. Far-right ministers such as Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich are pushing for increased military pressure on Gaza. In contrast, officials like Aryeh Deri are advocating for a ceasefire in exchange for the release of remaining hostages.
Ben Gvir, head of the Jewish Power party, called for a “decisive move” and criticized the current delay in military actions.
Netanyahu aims to finalize a decision before his Washington visit, where discussions with Trump are likely to focus on hostilities in Gaza and potential diplomatic resolutions.
Hope Amid Tragedy?
Despite the growing casualties, Netanyahu hinted at a possible diplomatic breakthrough. On Sunday, he stated that “many opportunities have opened up” following recent military operations, especially concerning the return of hostages.
Yet, with every new strike and loss of civilian life, the urgency for a peaceful resolution intensifies. The tragic bombing of the Al-Baqa cafe has further spotlighted the devastating cost of war on Gaza’s civilians—and the growing international call for an immediate ceasefire.
