At least 22 people, primarily women and children, were killed, and 30 others were injured in an Israeli airstrike on a school for displaced children in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials. The strike, which occurred on Saturday at the Zeitoun School south of Gaza City, has intensified the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The Hamas-run Palestinian Ministry of Health reported the incident on social media, adding it to the growing death toll in Gaza. Over the past 72 hours, 119 people have been killed, bringing the total number of deaths in the ongoing conflict to 41,391 since Israel began its war against Hamas 11 months ago.
A statement from the Gaza government described the event as a “horrific massacre,” claiming that 16 of the victims were orphaned children and widowed women seeking shelter at the school. According to the statement, the victims had gathered at the school to receive a small amount of financial aid to support their basic needs amidst the ongoing conflict. The government accused Israel of targeting innocent civilians, stating, “The occupation’s missiles were waiting for them, killing them and turning them into dismembered bodies.”
In contrast, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) officials asserted that Hamas fighters had been using the school as a command center. IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee claimed that the site was being used by Hamas to plan and execute “terrorist” operations against Israel.
This deadly incident comes as ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel, as well as discussions on the release of Israeli hostages, remain stalled. Meanwhile, tensions across the Middle East are escalating, with concerns that the conflict could spread further.
On Saturday, the IDF reported conducting raids targeting about 180 sites, including missile launchers controlled by Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Israeli army claimed these rocket launchers were poised to launch attacks on Israeli territory. In response, Israeli forces also shelled areas in southern Lebanon with artillery.
The situation continues to evolve, with the international community watching closely for developments in the conflict and ongoing ceasefire talks.
