Tel Aviv, Israel

Israel is facing global condemnation for airstrikes on a Palestinian refugee camp in Rafah, Gaza, on May 26 that resulted in 45 casualties. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has labelled the incident a "tragic accident" under investigation.

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Many nations criticised Israel for civilian deaths, particularly in light of the ICJ's ruling on Rafah. The IDF maintained that the strike targeted Hamas militants based on precise intelligence.

Here's how nations are responding to the strikes:

United States - The US called for Israel to minimise civilian casualties. "As we've been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians," a National Security Council spokesperson stated. "We are actively engaging the IDF and partners on the ground to assess what happened."

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United Nations - The UN Middle East envoy, Tor Wennesland, urged Israel to conduct a "thorough and transparent" investigation. "I condemn last night’s Israeli airstrikes which hit tents for displaced people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah & have tragically led to the reported loss of more than 35 Palestinian lives, incl. women & children," he wrote. 

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European Union - EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell criticised Israel's military actions. He highlighted "an increase in the military activities, an increase in the bombing and an increase in the casualties to the civilian people." This comes as the EU plans to meet with Israeli officials to discuss the offensive.

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France - French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his outrage on X, condemning the strikes that reportedly killed many displaced persons. "I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire," Macron said. 

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Canada - Canada's Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, announced an increase in visas for Gazans and expressed horror over the airstrike. "While movement out of Gaza is not currently possible, the situation may change at any time."

Egypt - Egypt condemned the attack as a "deliberate bombardment" and urged Israel to cease military operations in Rafah as per the ICJ's orders.

Jordan - Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi also rebuked Israel for hindering humanitarian aid and obstructing negotiations for a ceasefire.

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Qatar - Qatar condemned the attack as a "grave" violation of international law and warned it could impede mediation efforts.

Belgium - Deputy Prime Minister Petra De Sutter denounced the strike and said she was "horrified". In a strong statement, she said, "We must bring these war crimes to a full stop."

African Union - Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat accused Israel of violating international law and of being "in contempt of an ICJ ruling two days ago ordering an end to its military action in Rafah." 

UNRWA - Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, lamented the worsening conditions in Rafah and described it as "hell on Earth".

(With inputs from agencies)