Tensions soar as the United Nations Security Council is set to convene for a heated discussion in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, which claimed the lives of 45 Palestinians sheltering in a refugee camp and left 200 wounded.

UN humanitarian chief, Martin Griffiths, condemns the attack as "utterly unacceptable," rebuking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's dismissal of the tragedy as a "tragic mistake."

The debate rages on as Griffiths asserts, "For the people of Gaza, there is no debate—this was a cruel abomination."

Israel's justification of the strike, citing the elimination of two senior Hamas militants, only adds fuel to the fire. Netanyahu defends the offensive as a necessary measure to quell Hamas threats.

Critics decry the strike as a blatant disregard for civilian lives, with the UN high commissioner for human rights denouncing Israel's tactics as unchanged and leading to "so many civilian deaths."

European Council President Charles Michel joins the chorus of condemnation, branding the strikes as "horrendous" and calling for an immediate halt to the offensive.

Meanwhile, Qatar voices concerns over the impact on ceasefire talks and the release of hostages held by Hamas, further complicating the already volatile situation.

As the casualties mount and tensions escalate, the world watches with bated breath, grappling with the complexities of conflict in the region.

Source: Saharareporters.com