An Israeli strike on Sunday resulted in the deaths of several individuals at the Asmaa school located west of Gaza City, as reported by Gaza’s Civil Defense. Video footage from the scene depicted victims being transported in pick-up trucks, including at least two children, with several individuals appearing deceased on the ground.
The Hamas-run Government Media Office later confirmed that three of the deceased were employees of Hamas-affiliated media outlets. Gaza’s Civil Defense teams managed to recover numerous bodies and injured individuals, with ongoing efforts to locate missing persons beneath the rubble.
The school compound in Al-Shati refugee camp, housing hundreds of displaced individuals, has been targeted multiple times during the conflict. Israel’s military stated that the strike was aimed at Hamas operatives, alleging the presence of a Hamas command and control center within the compound. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) clarified that the operation targeted a terrorist cell commander and three additional individuals from Hamas’ Military Wing.
Following a previous strike on the compound, the IDF accused Hamas of deliberately operating within civilian areas. The ongoing Israeli military actions in northern Gaza have led to the displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians and casualties from bombardments. Authorities in Gaza have reported hindrances in aid delivery to affected regions due to Israeli military actions.
The United Nations’ human rights chief has expressed concerns over the escalating situation in northern Gaza, describing it as the war’s “darkest moment”.
