Late on the morning of 30 June 2025, an Israeli airstrike hit the Al-Baqa café near the port of Gaza City. The attack has resulted in a tragic loss of civilian life. Dr. Mohammad Abu Silmiya, director of Al-Shifa hospital, said the attack killed at least 41 people. Moreover, 75 others incurred injuries, with most deaths occurring among vulnerable groups such as women and children.
The Al-Baqa cafe quickly morphed into a bustling hub of students, journalists, and digital nomads. It was the only place that provided internet access, and it had a beautiful panorama view of the Mediterranean coast. Students often hung out in the cafe to do their homework and socialize with friends. Unfortunately, many of these students were on hand during the time of the strike.
Dr. Mohammad Abu Silmiya confirmed the heartbreaking reality of the situation, stating, “Most of the casualties are women and children.” The airstrike prevention was not just a loss of life attributed to the immediate fatalities alone. By the time Monday night rolled around, the death toll had risen further as some of those injured passed away.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that this strike was just the start of an expanded operation. They are out to destroy Hamas terrorists in the expanse of the northern Gaza Strip. In a statement, the IDF explained, “Earlier today (Monday), the IDF struck several Hamas terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip. Prior to the strike, steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians using aerial surveillance.”
One of them was Ismail Abu Hatab, a freelance journalist. He quickly became known for his in-depth coverage of the still-ongoing war in the area. His passing is a tragic reminder of the dangerous circumstances experienced by journalists and civilians in war-affected areas.
Until then, investigations are ongoing. As the city continues to grieve the unbearable loss of life, the city’s community continues to feel the new realities of violence in their daily lives. The strike that killed Saher and her friends at Al-Baqa cafe underlines the staggering cost of the prolonged conflict on civilians who pose no threat. It disproportionately affects people seeking shelter on the streets.
