An Israeli airstrike on a school in the central Gaza Strip, which had been converted into a shelter for displaced people, has killed at least 16 individuals, according to Palestinian medical officials. The attack took place in the Nuseirat refugee camp, leaving another 32 people injured. Awda Hospital confirmed receiving the casualties.
The Israeli military has not yet commented on the incident. This strike is part of ongoing military operations where Israel claims it is targeting Hamas militants hiding among civilians. However, these strikes have often resulted in the deaths of women and children.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated dramatically after Hamas militants launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. In response, Israel has conducted a series of retaliatory strikes, leading to the deaths of over 42,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which reports that more than half of the casualties are women and children. Israel claims that over 17,000 Hamas fighters have been killed, though no evidence has been provided to support this figure.
The war has caused massive displacement, with nearly 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population forced from their homes. Many have sought refuge in makeshift camps along the coastline after neighborhoods were heavily bombed.
Attempts at ceasefire negotiations, brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, have so far failed. The conflict has also expanded to Lebanon, where Israel launched a ground invasion in response to ongoing clashes with the Hezbollah militant group.
