Israeli artillery strike on Gaza school leaves at least 15 dead
An Israeli artillery strike on a school in central Gaza, used as a shelter for displaced Palestinians, has killed at least 15 people, including entire families, officials have reported. The incident occurred at al-Mufti school in the Nuseirat refugee camp on Sunday, as Gaza continues to face intensified Israeli military operations.
According to Gaza’s Civil Defence Agency, run by Hamas, the school, which was housing hundreds of displaced people, was struck by a barrage of Israeli artillery fire. In addition to the 15 fatalities, dozens of others were wounded in the attack. A civil defence spokesman stated that the injured included at least 50 people, many of whom were families seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have acknowledged the reports and stated they are investigating the incident. However, no further statement has been made at this time.
This attack follows another tragic incident in northern Gaza, where five children were killed by a reported drone strike while playing on a street corner in al-Shati camp. According to reports, the drone targeted a person walking along the street, and the strike subsequently killed the children and injured seven others. The victims were young boys, and disturbing images from the aftermath of the attack showed their bodies laid side-by-side, wrapped in white shrouds. One of the boys, Rami, was found clutching a handful of marbles in his hand, a heartbreaking reminder of the innocence lost in the violence.
Northern Gaza has been a primary focus of Israeli military operations in recent weeks. Israeli forces have launched a major ground offensive, resulting in heavy casualties. Gaza’s health authorities, also run by Hamas, report that hundreds of people have been killed in these intensified assaults. In addition, residents of Beit Hanoun, Jabalia, and Beit Lahiya have reported being cut off from Gaza City due to the encroaching presence of Israeli tanks on the outskirts of the city.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen as the conflict drags on. Hospitals are running dangerously low on supplies, and while the World Health Organization (WHO) has managed to resupply two hospitals in collaboration with the Red Cross, it took nine days of effort to do so. Medical facilities remain overwhelmed, with limited resources to treat the injured and sick.
The war, which began after Hamas launched a surprise attack on northern Israel on October 7 of last year, has resulted in significant loss of life on both sides. Hamas’ attack on Israel led to the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of over 200 hostages, who were taken into Gaza. In the ensuing year of fighting, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has reported over 42,000 deaths, with the majority of casualties being civilians caught in the ongoing military operations.
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, the toll on civilians grows heavier, with no clear end to the violence in sight. The international community remains deeply concerned about the loss of life and the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for urgent measures to protect civilians and deliver humanitarian aid.