Israeli Airstrike on School in Gaza Kills 28

An Israeli airstrike on a school converted into a shelter in Deir el-Balah, Gaza, has resulted in at least 28 fatalities and numerous injuries, according to Palestinian authorities. The attack occurred during the ongoing conflict, with the Rafida School being targeted while housing displaced families.

The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that their teams responded to the site, confirming the casualties. Eyewitness accounts describe horrific scenes, with bodies severely mutilated, making identification challenging for family members. Al Jazeera’s correspondent highlighted the lack of warning before the strike, raising concerns about the protection of civilians.

In response, the Israeli military claimed the strike targeted Hamas fighters allegedly using the school as a command-and-control center for attacks against Israel, although no evidence was provided to support this assertion.

This incident adds to a series of recent attacks on educational facilities in Gaza, where fighting has persisted for over a year. Previous strikes have also resulted in significant civilian casualties, particularly among women and children, with many UN-run schools damaged or destroyed.

Since the beginning of the conflict in October 2023, the toll has escalated, with reports indicating over 42,000 Palestinian deaths due to Israeli military operations in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as the conflict shows no signs of abating.