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Israeli bombing of Cairo

1948 attack by Israel From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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The Israeli Air Force bombarded a residential neighborhood near Qasr al-Qubba in Cairo on July 15, 1948, during the international phase of the 1948 Palestine war.[1] The attack was carried out during the breaking of the fast of Ramadan and killed 30 civilians and destroyed many homes.[2] It led to an angry march on the Jewish quarter.[2]

Quick facts 1948 Israeli bombing of Cairo, Location ...
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Background

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Al Schwimmer and others in Tel Aviv in 1949.

Before the establishment of the State of Israel, the Haganah had ordered three Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress planes from the United States through US Mahal operative Al Schwimmer.[3][4][5] The heavy bomber planes were prepared for combat by Mahal recruit Ray Kurtz.[3] They were acquired during the truce and smuggled from Czechoslovakia in violation of an arms embargo.[6][7][3]

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Attacks on Egyptian targets

The 69 Squadron of the Israeli Air Force was flying the planes, which were ordered to strike Egyptian targets on the way from Czechoslovakia.[4] The air operation attempted to bomb King Farouq's Abdeen Palace.[4] One plane went to Cairo but failed to hit the palace.[4] The bombing struck a residential neighborhood during Iftar, killing 30 Egyptians and striking a rail line.[4][2] According to Al-Ahram the following day, the bombardment happened at 7:55 pm.[8]

The two other planes were supposed to strike el-ʻArīsh but bombed Rafah instead.[4]

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Results

The bombardment killed 30 Egyptians, struck a rail line, and led to an angry march on a Jewish quarter in Cairo.[2][4]

The bombardment raised morale in Tel Aviv.[4]

See also

References

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