'No safe place in Gaza' Dozens die in IDF hit on seafront cafe

Early afternoon was a busy time in the al-Baqa cafe on the waterfront in Gaza City.

- Jason Burke, Jerusalem Malak A Tantesh, Gaza

Under the wooden slatted roof, seated at plastic chairs and tables, were dozens of Palestinians seeking respite from the relentless 20-month war that has devastated much of the bustling, vibrant town.

On one side was the Mediterranean, blue and calm. On the other, battered apartments, wrecked hotels and the close-packed tents of displaced families.

Founded almost 40 years ago, the family-run al-Baqa was for many a reminder of better times. It had long been a place to escape the claustrophobia of the territory, to talk, laugh and dream.

Among those sipping coffee, tea and soft drinks in the cafe was a young artist, Amna al-Salmi, and her friend Ismail Abu Hatab, a 32-year-old photographer and film-maker. Others included another journalist and at least one family with young children, including a four-year-old child, and a mother with her two daughters.

Then, at about 3pm, the peaceful scene at al-Baqa cafe was transformed. Witnesses described a huge roaring explosion, flames, a plume of ash-grey smoke rising fast into the air. No one needed to ask what had happened.

In recent days, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has escalated its offensive across all of Gaza but focused much of its firepower on the territory's north, where Hamas remain relatively entrenched despite multiple military assaults.

Tanks have advanced into neighbourhoods to the east of Gaza City, so-called "evacuation orders" have forced thousands from shelter and airstrikes have killed dozens.

When the dust and smoke cleared at the cafe, scenes of carnage were revealed.