Israeli strike hits Gaza school shelter
An Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza's Daraj neighborhood, which was serving as a shelter for displaced families, resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people and left dozens injured, according to local authorities. Medics reported that among the casualties were women and children, with some bodies severely burned, although these claims have not been independently verified. The Israeli military has not yet commented on the incident.
This strike is part of a broader escalation in the region, with Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on the same day leading to at least 46 deaths, including 31 individuals at the school-turned-shelter. Another strike reportedly killed 15 members of a single family. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the operation targeted senior Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives who were allegedly using the school as a command and control center for planning attacks against Israeli civilians and troops.
The ongoing conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with approximately 90% of the population displaced and around 54,000 Palestinians reported killed since the escalation began in October 2023, with over half of the casualties being women and children. International criticism of Israel's military actions has intensified, particularly regarding its plans to assume full control of Gaza.
Despite mounting international pressure that led to the lifting of a blockade on aid supplies, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed Israel's intention to maintain control over Gaza. A new aid distribution initiative, backed by the U.S. and Israel, has faced challenges, including the resignation of its American executive director, who cited concerns over operational independence and the plan's effectiveness. The situation in the region remains volatile, with ongoing hostilities and a critical need for humanitarian assistance.
