UNSC calls emergency meeting today after Israeli attack on Rafah

Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, informed the parliament that the killings happened "despite our best efforts" to safeguard people.

The United Nations Security Council has convened an emergency meeting on May 28, following Israeli strike on a displaced persons camp in Rafah, Gaza, news agency AFP reported, citing diplomats.

Algeria requested the closed-door meeting, the diplomats said. The country is a non-permanent member of the UNSC.

Israel was condemned by the entire community for its strike on Rafah, which claimed 45 lives. Israel described the strike as a "tragic accident" and stated that it was investigating the effects on civilians.

A "shooting incident" involving the death of an Egyptian guard on the border between Egypt and the southern Gaza Strip was reported by the Israeli and Egyptian forces on Monday. The military claimed to be looking into the situation.

The Israeli military said that the two top Hamas operatives that were killed in Sunday night's strike in Rafah were its intended targets. But it also started a fire, which Arab nations and Palestinians denounced as a "massacre", according to AFP.

UN humanitarian director Martin Griffiths cited the numerous reports of civilian casualties that surfaced prior to Israel's entry into Rafah. "We've seen the consequences in last night's utterly unacceptable attack," he said.

"To call it 'a mistake' is a message that means nothing for those killed, those grieving, and those trying to save lives."

The EU's foreign policy chief said he was "horrified by news" of the strike, while French President Emmanuel Macron said he was "outraged" and a US National Security Council spokesperson said Israel "must take every precaution possible to protect civilians".

The Israeli military said it was launching a probe.

Additionally, Israel is worried that the International Criminal Court may be ready to issue arrest warrants for its government leaders in relation to allegations about how the Gaza War was handled.

Investigating the cross-border strikes by Hamas on October 7 and Israel's devastating military assault on Gaza, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has the authority to accuse persons with war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Sunday cautioned Israeli embassies to strengthen their security due to the possibility of a "wave of severe antisemitism", in reaction to allegations in the Israeli media that the ICC may soon issue arrest warrants for key Israeli government and military leaders.

"We expect the court (ICC) to refrain from issuing arrest warrants against senior Israeli political and security officials," Katz said. "We will not bow our heads or be deterred and will continue to fight."