Hamas Authority Says Dozens Killed in Airstrike on School Building
In a tragic escalation of violence in the ongoing Gaza conflict, the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry reported that at least 30 Palestinians were killed and over 100 injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a school building in the central Gaza Strip on Saturday. The airstrike, which struck the Khadija school in Deir al-Balah, is said to have destroyed an improvised field hospital that was operating within the building.
Context of the Airstrike
The Israeli military justified the airstrike by claiming it was aimed at dismantling a Hamas command center located within the school. According to military sources, Hamas militants utilized the facility to coordinate attacks against Israeli forces and to store weapons. However, these claims remain unverified by independent sources, raising concerns about the accuracy of the information provided by both sides.
The airstrike comes in the wake of a devastating conflict that began on October 7, when Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack in Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people. In retaliation, Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes and a ground offensive in Gaza, leading to a reported death toll of approximately 39,000 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, since the outbreak of hostilities.
Ongoing Operations in Khan Younis
As the conflict continues, the Israeli military has issued urgent evacuation orders to Palestinian civilians in parts of Khan Younis, located in the southern Gaza Strip. The military cited "significant terrorist activity" and ongoing rocket fire from the area as reasons for the evacuation, declaring it increasingly dangerous for civilians to remain.
The designated evacuation zone was previously marked as a humanitarian area, but the Israeli army has indicated that its borders will be adjusted in light of the current situation. Civilians were instructed to move towards another humanitarian zone in al-Mawasi, with the military disseminating this information through text messages, voice calls, and leaflets.
The Israeli armed forces have been engaged in intense operations against Hamas militants in Khan Younis for several weeks, aiming to dismantle the group's presence in the region. Unfortunately, the civilian population continues to bear the brunt of the conflict, often finding themselves caught in the crossfire. The frequent evacuation orders have forced thousands to flee their homes multiple times, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the area.
Conclusion
The recent airstrike on the Khadija school underscores the dire situation in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict has led to significant loss of life and widespread suffering among civilians. As both sides continue to exchange accusations and engage in military operations, the need for a resolution to the conflict becomes increasingly urgent. The international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation of violence and a return to peace in the region.