Gaza City, July 3, 2025 – A powerful MK‑82 230 kg bomb struck the al‑Baqa beachfront cafe in Gaza on Monday, killing at least 24–36 civilians, including journalists, children, and elderly patrons. The bomb’s impact left behind a massive crater, indicating the scale of destruction.
Bomb Identified by Ordnance Experts
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Weapon fragments recovered at the site have been identified as components of a US-made MK‑82 general-purpose bomb.
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Experts noted its wide blast radius and the shrapnel pattern typical of high-explosive ordnance.
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The al‑Baqa cafe, a popular public space for families, had been operating for over 40 years and was considered a local landmark.
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Civilian Toll and Local Impact
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Medical personnel confirmed that dozens of civilians were killed in the blast, including a prominent photojournalist and a young child.
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Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with bodies pulled from rubble and many injured transported to overwhelmed hospitals.
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Survivors reported no prior warning before the airstrike hit the crowded site.
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Legal Experts Cite International Law Violations
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International law, under the Geneva Conventions, prohibits attacks that may result in excessive civilian casualties relative to the anticipated military advantage.
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Legal scholars and human rights organizations argue that deploying such a powerful weapon in a known civilian zone constitutes a potential war crime.
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Analysts warned that even precision targeting cannot justify the use of heavy munitions in densely populated civilian areas.
IDF Response and Public Statements
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged conducting the strike and stated it targeted a Hamas operative.
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They added that aerial surveillance was conducted beforehand and that all necessary precautions were taken to avoid collateral damage.
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No advance warnings or evacuation notices were issued to the occupants of the cafe, raising further concern among humanitarian observers.
Broader Conflict Context
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The overnight death toll in Gaza has risen sharply, with 94 Palestinians killed, including 45 people who were trying to collect humanitarian aid.
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Airstrikes in other parts of the Strip also left significant casualties, including women and children sheltering in designated safe zones.
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Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that the total number of Palestinians killed since the conflict began in October 2023 has surpassed 57,000.
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Among the dead are 223 individuals previously listed as missing but now presumed dead.
FAQs (Schema-Optimized)
Q1: What bomb was used in the Gaza café strike?
A 230 kg MK‑82 general-purpose bomb was used in the airstrike on the al‑Baqa cafe.
Q2: How many civilians were killed in the attack?
Estimates range from 24 to 36 civilians killed, including women, children, and journalists.
Q3: Why is this considered a possible war crime?
The use of such a powerful bomb in a densely populated civilian area may violate international laws protecting civilians during armed conflict.
Q4: How has the IDF responded?
The IDF stated the strike targeted a Hamas operative and that they attempted to minimize civilian casualties. An internal review is ongoing.
Q5: What is the total Palestinian death toll in this war?
As of July 2025, over 57,000 Palestinians have been reported killed in Gaza since the war began in October 2023.
