Gaza City, Palestine – An Israeli airstrike targeted a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza early Thursday, resulting in the deaths of more than 30 people, including 23 women and children, as reported by local health officials in the Hamas-controlled Palestinian territory. The hospital treating the victims received the bodies of at least 37 casualties from the strike, according to Agence France-Presse. However, a U.N. official informed Reuters that the death toll ranged between 35 to 45, but no official confirmation was provided.
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), mentioned that the IDF had been monitoring the school and claimed that 20-30 Hamas militants were present in the building planning and preparing terror attacks in different rooms. He asserted that the strike was postponed twice to ensure precise targeting and minimize civilian casualties. Lerner expressed doubt regarding the civilian casualty figures provided by Gaza officials and stated that the IDF was verifying the numbers.
The strike occurred amid ongoing efforts by U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators to negotiate a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Hamas responded critically to a cease-fire proposal, stating that it did not meet the necessary conditions for a lasting agreement. The group accused Israel of issuing contradictory statements regarding the proposal and emphasized its willingness to comply with agreed-upon terms outlined by President Biden.
Following the strike, reports emerged of a ground and air assault launched by the IDF in refugee camps in central Gaza to pursue Hamas militants who had regrouped in the area. The IDF claimed combatants were targeted, pointing to rooms in the school where militants were reportedly located. Witnesses described chaotic scenes at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, where numerous casualties were received, including children and women, following a wave of Israeli strikes in the region.
The escalation of violence in Gaza has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. The conflict has severely strained Gaza’s health system, with hospitals facing challenges in providing essential medical care and services. International organizations have raised concerns about the dire situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate end to the hostilities to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
Israel’s offensive in Gaza has intensified in recent months, leading to significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The ongoing conflict has caused immense hardship for the Palestinian population, with many forced to seek refuge in overcrowded shelters. Despite international calls for a cease-fire, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, prolonging the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.