Israeli Strike on Gaza School Killed 30 - Health Ministry
In a tragic escalation of violence, an Israeli military strike on a school near Deir al-Balah, a city in central Gaza, has resulted in the deaths of at least 30 Palestinians, with over 100 others injured, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. This incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, as the conflict continues to claim civilian lives.
Details of the Strike
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported via Telegram that the Khadija School was being used as a command and control center by Hamas. They claimed that the school served as a location for planning attacks and storing weapons. However, Gaza’s health ministry has stated that the victims were primarily civilians, including many children, as verified by footage showing the aftermath of the strike.
Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene following the explosion. Mustafa Rafati, a witness, recounted the terrifying moment, stating that the blast shook him and he ran into the school, where he encountered a horrific sight of body parts scattered around. Verified videos from the scene depict the frantic efforts of individuals carrying injured children and adults amidst the rubble.
Humanitarian Concerns
Gaza's civil defense service indicated that the school was sheltering displaced individuals. In response to the IDF's claims, Hamas labeled the assertion that the school was being used for military purposes as "false," emphasizing that the casualties included displaced, sick, and wounded individuals, predominantly women and children.
The IDF asserted that it had taken measures to minimize civilian casualties prior to the strike, including the use of appropriate munitions and aerial surveillance. Despite these claims, the health ministry reported that since Saturday morning, 53 people had died and 189 were injured due to IDF bombings in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis.
Broader Context of the Conflict
This strike is part of a larger military campaign that has reportedly resulted in over 39,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict reignited following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken.
International reactions have been swift, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemning the strike, highlighting the plight of an already vulnerable population forced to relocate repeatedly. He called for an immediate ceasefire, echoing sentiments shared by many in the international community.
Ongoing Military Operations
The IDF's actions come amid ongoing military operations in southern Gaza, where they have ordered civilians to evacuate to designated humanitarian areas. The military has indicated that it is prepared to conduct forceful operations in response to significant rocket fire from southern Khan Younis, claiming that Hamas has embedded military infrastructure in these areas.
As ceasefire talks are set to commence, led by CIA head Bill Burns with representatives from Qatar, Egypt, and Israel, the situation remains tense. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with reports of further casualties in both Gaza and the West Bank, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict.