An Israeli airstrike on a school in Deir-al Balah, central Gaza, has resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people and left over 100 injured, as reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza. The strike was carried out by the Israeli military to target a Hamas command and control center within the compound.
Most of the victims brought to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital following the attack were women and children, according to Dr. Khalil Al-Daqran, a hospital spokesperson. The school had been sheltering more than 4,000 displaced individuals, as stated by the Palestinian Civil Defense.
This incident occurred shortly after fresh evacuation orders were issued by the Israeli military in Khan Younis, where a recent offensive had already claimed numerous Palestinian lives. Residents were instructed to vacate the area due to planned IDF operations.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has seen significant casualties on both sides, with Israel reporting the deaths of around 100 militants in recent fighting. The United Nations estimated that approximately 150,000 people fled Khan Younis in a single day, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the region.
Despite the escalating violence, there are signs of potential diplomatic progress, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing optimism about reaching a ceasefire agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also indicated a willingness to send a negotiation team to talks in Rome.
While efforts are being made to secure a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the situation remains volatile and challenging for all parties involved.
