Gaza City, Gaza Strip – An Israeli airstrike on a school in central Gaza led to the deaths of more than 30 people, including 23 women and children, according to local health officials in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory. The strike, which occurred early Thursday morning, resulted in at least 37 casualties, as reported by the hospital treating the victims.
Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner, stated that the IDF had been monitoring the school and identified 20-30 Hamas and affiliated militants planning and carrying out attacks. However, he emphasized that the IDF was still verifying the number of casualties and urged caution in accepting the figures provided by officials in Gaza.
The strike took place amidst continued efforts by U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages. Hamas, in a statement shared on Thursday, criticized the proposed ceasefire agreement, claiming that it did not meet the necessary requirements for a lasting peace.
Hamas has expressed readiness to agree to an agreement that aligns with the ceasefire foundations outlined by President Biden at the end of May. Meanwhile, Israel remains committed to its offensive in Gaza until Hamas is eradicated, rejecting calls for a permanent ceasefire until their objective is achieved.
The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah received multiple casualties from the school strike, including children and women. Witnesses described chaotic scenes outside the hospital, with an influx of wounded individuals seeking medical attention. The hospital, already overwhelmed by the ongoing conflict, is facing challenges in treating the increasing number of patients.
The ongoing violence in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of injured individuals. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The international community is called upon to intervene and bring an end to the violence to prevent further loss of life.