Midday brought a steady crowd to al-Baqa café, nestled along Gaza City’s shoreline. Beneath its wooden roof, people sat at plastic tables and chairs, seeking a brief escape from the conflict that had ravaged the once-busy city over the past 20 months.
To one side stretched the Mediterranean, its blue waters calm under the sky. On the other stood damaged buildings, ruined hotels, and clusters of tents where displaced families now lived.
For nearly four decades, the family-run al-Baqa had been a refuge for many, evoking memories of quieter times. It was a place to relax, talk openly, and share moments of laughter.
Among those inside were Amna al-Salmi, a young artist, and her friend Ismail Abu Hatab, a 32-year-old photographer. Also present were a journalist, a mother with her two daughters, and another family with young children, including a four-year-old.
Then, around 3 p.m., the scene changed abruptly. Witnesses recalled a deafening blast, flames, and thick smoke rising swiftly. No explanation was needed—everyone understood what had occurred.
In recent days, military operations had intensified across Gaza, with a stronger focus on the north. Tanks had moved into neighborhoods east of the city, and airstrikes had increased, claiming many lives.
When the dust settled at al-Baqa, the destruction was clear.
“I stepped out briefly,” said Abu al-Nour, 60. “As I returned, a missile hit. Shrapnel flew, smoke filled the air—I couldn’t see. The café was demolished, and inside, I found bodies. All the workers were dead.”
Adam, 21, had been working nearby. “The destruction was beyond belief,” he told *CuriosityNews*. “I knew everyone there. The place was full—people of all ages.”
Others spoke of a dead child, an elderly man who lost his legs, and many with severe injuries. The blast had shattered the café entirely, twisting concrete supports and scattering wreckage. Nearby, a deck of cards and a large stuffed toy lay amid the rubble.
Hours later, the scent of blood lingered in the air.
Many struggled to understand why the café had been struck. A 55-year-old teacher who lived nearby called it “the loveliest spot in Gaza” and a place that “should have been the safest.”
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