The Al-Baqa Café bombing killed journalists, athletes, and artists, striking at the heart of Gaza’s civilian life.
Over 30 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded on Monday when an Israeli airstrike hit Al-Baqa Café, an outdoor venue on the western shore of Gaza City, according to medical sources and eyewitnesses.
The café, constructed from tents and plastic sheeting, was a well-known meeting spot for journalists, artists, athletes, and residents seeking a brief respite by the sea.
The strike left a large crater in the sand and reduced much of the café to rubble. Civil Defense crews recovered at least 20 bodies and continued to search through the debris hours after the attack. Eyewitnesses said the venue was crowded at the time of the bombing.
Among those killed were several prominent figures in Gaza’s civil, cultural, and professional life. Their deaths represent a significant loss to a society already devastated by more than eight months of continuous bombardment.
Ismail Abu Hatab – Photojournalist
Ismail Abu Hatab, a Palestinian photojournalist, was among the casualties.
The photographer and owner of the “Tent Gallery” in Los Angeles, @IsmailabuHatab was killed in an Israeli airstrike west of Gaza City today. A friend for over 10 years, he was truly exceptional in his work. Through his platform By Palestine and his exhibition Between the Sky and… pic.twitter.com/mEkPfVTl9O
— Yousef D. Hammash (@YousefHammash) June 30, 2025
Abu Hatab had spent years documenting the impact of war on civilian life in Gaza. His photographs, many of which appeared in both local and international media, offered a rare window into daily realities under siege, capturing not only scenes of destruction but also moments of resilience and community.
He was known for his courage in the field and his deep commitment to the truth. Colleagues described him as one of the most consistent documenters of the war’s toll, often working under extreme risk to ensure the stories of others were told.
Gaza’s Youngest Female Boxer
Malak Musleh, Gaza’s youngest female boxer, was also killed in the strike.
At just 21 years old, Malak had become a symbol of determination and resistance. She trained at the Palestine Boxing Center and frequently spoke about the challenges of pursuing sport as a woman in Gaza.
Her athletic achievements and outspoken presence had made her an inspiration for many young Palestinians, especially girls.
According to Palestinian sources, in recent months, she had started mentoring younger athletes, believing that sport could offer structure and hope in the midst of chaos.
A Visual Artist
Frans Al-Salmi, a visual artist, was among those killed.
Her work, often created using charcoal and salvaged materials, centered on themes of death, trauma, and survival in Gaza.
One of her final paintings, produced shortly before her death, showed the body of a bloodied woman lying motionless in a white shroud. After the bombing, a photograph of Al-Salmi’s lifeless body—found in nearly the same position—circulated widely online. The resemblance between her final artwork and her death was striking and deeply disturbing.
The only artist we should be talking about today is Palestinian artist Frans (Amina) al-Salmi who was murdered by zionisim, along with 29 other people, in cafe in Gaza today.#StopGenocide #GazaGenocide #غزه_تباد_وتحرق #غزة #amina #Palestine #JISOOxAloSeoul pic.twitter.com/M939vymu8v
— جنتل مان (@gentle_man098) July 1, 2025
Al-Salmi had participated in exhibitions and informal workshops, particularly for children in displacement shelters.
Her death marked not only the loss of a promising artist but also the erasure of a voice committed to preserving Gaza’s cultural life under impossible conditions.
A Palestinian Footballer
Mustafa Abu Amira, a Palestinian footballer, was also among the dead.
A forward for Al-Hilal Gaza Club, Abu Amira was recognized as one of the most promising players in the local league. Off the field, he volunteered in youth programs, helping to train children in Gaza’s refugee camps.
Palestinian footballer Mustafa Abu Amira killed in Monday’s Israeli airstrike on Al-Baqa café. The 438th player killed since Oct ’23. What more will it take for UEFA and FIFA to suspend Israeli FA in same way under Apartheid South African FA was suspended?@PSCupdates @sanaa_mq pic.twitter.com/bxr2gL7x4z
— Philosophy Football (@Phil_Football) July 1, 2025
He had recently lost several family members in earlier attacks but continued to attend practices and community events. His death came just as he was beginning to attract attention from clubs outside Gaza.
Wounded Journalist
Journalist Bayan Abu Sultan survived the bombing but had been at Al-Baqa Café shortly before the strike.
Months earlier, her brother was killed by an Israeli sniper near Al-Shifa Hospital—an event that continues to shape her reporting.
Abu Sultan has gained recognition for her coverage of the war, especially on social media, where she shares firsthand accounts of displacement, loss, and survival.
(The Palestine Chronicle)
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