A beachfront cafe in Gaza turned into rubble on June 30 after an Israeli airstrike killed more than two dozen civilians, including a four-year-old child, a local filmmaker, and a young artist. The once-bustling al-Baqa cafe, known as a rare escape for locals in the war-torn territory, was reduced to ruins in seconds.
What shocked the international community was the weapon used in the strike—a US-made 500-pound MK-82 bomb. Experts say this choice of weapon and target may amount to a war crime under international law.
Photos from the blast site show the telltale signs of an MK-82 explosion, experts told The Guardian. This bomb, weighing 500 lb or 230 kilograms, is known for causing massive damage. It has a wide blast radius—up to 300 meters—and sends deadly shrapnel flying in all directions. It’s the kind of bomb usually used in large-scale US military operations.
So why is the MK-82 drawing so much attention now?
Firstly, Israel usually relies on guided, precision weapons for its strikes. Using a general-purpose bomb that causes wide destruction raises serious questions. The MK-82s were part of a US arms package delivered to Israel in 2024 during President Biden’s term. A total of 500 bombs sent.
Secondly, the choice of target adds to the controversy. Al-Baqa cafe wasn’t under any Israeli evacuation orders. It was one of Gaza’s last remaining public spots where civilians, including families and children, gathered for some peace. Built partly on stilts over the sea, the cafe had survived multiple rounds of conflict—until this strike.
Human rights groups say the Israeli military had conducted aerial surveillance before the attack. A senior official of the Human Rights Watch said Israeli forces likely knew civilians were inside.
According to international law, attacks that cause heavy civilian deaths with little military gain could be seen as war crimes. The Geneva Convention prohibits strikes that are “excessive” in relation to any expected military advantage.
While Israeli officials say steps were taken to avoid civilian harm, and that such operations are under review, global experts are unconvinced.
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