At least 27 Palestinians were killed and dozens more injured in an Israeli airstrike on the Dar al-Arqam school in Gaza City, which was functioning as a makeshift shelter for displaced families, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The strike has been described as a part of Israel's ongoing military operations aimed at targeting Hamas fighters. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said they aimed at a "Hamas command centre," without acknowledging the school as a civilian site.
Reports indicate that among the deceased were women and children. Witnesses described the chaos after the explosion, with children being rushed to local hospitals. The strike occurred amidst a series of attacks in the region, with the health ministry reporting that an additional 97 Palestinians died from earlier air strikes in just one day.
The ongoing conflict has prompted the IDF to expand its ground offensive, with military spokespersons confirming operations to seize significant areas in southern Gaza. They claim over 600 “terrorist targets” have been engaged, resulting in substantial casualties among Hamas forces. However, civilian casualties are increasingly feared as evacuation orders have led around 100,000 Palestinians to flee their homes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated military pressure on Hamas was aimed at securing the release of hostages held by the group, while Hamas rejected new ceasefire proposals mediated by the U.S. and countered that a truce endorsed by Qatar and Egypt was the only alternative they would consider.
Amid these tensions, a growing humanitarian crisis looms in Gaza, with essential supplies becoming scarce and hospitals overflowing with the wounded.
Reports indicate that among the deceased were women and children. Witnesses described the chaos after the explosion, with children being rushed to local hospitals. The strike occurred amidst a series of attacks in the region, with the health ministry reporting that an additional 97 Palestinians died from earlier air strikes in just one day.
The ongoing conflict has prompted the IDF to expand its ground offensive, with military spokespersons confirming operations to seize significant areas in southern Gaza. They claim over 600 “terrorist targets” have been engaged, resulting in substantial casualties among Hamas forces. However, civilian casualties are increasingly feared as evacuation orders have led around 100,000 Palestinians to flee their homes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated military pressure on Hamas was aimed at securing the release of hostages held by the group, while Hamas rejected new ceasefire proposals mediated by the U.S. and countered that a truce endorsed by Qatar and Egypt was the only alternative they would consider.
Amid these tensions, a growing humanitarian crisis looms in Gaza, with essential supplies becoming scarce and hospitals overflowing with the wounded.
