DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli strike early Thursday on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza killed over 30 people. The casualties included 23 women and children, local health officials said. The Israeli military stated that Hamas militants were operating from within the school.
It was the latest instance of mass casualties among Palestinians seeking refuge as Israel expands its offensive. A day earlier, the military announced a new assault in central Gaza, pursuing Hamas militants. Troops have repeatedly swept back into Gaza, highlighting the resilience of the militant group.
Witnesses and hospital officials said the predawn strike hit the al-Sardi School. The school is run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. It was filled with Palestinians who had fled Israeli operations in northern Gaza.
Ayman Rashed, a Gaza City resident sheltering at the school, witnessed missiles hitting upper-floor classrooms where families sought refuge. He assisted in retrieving five casualties, among them an elderly man and two children, one with a severe head injury. “It was dark, with no electricity, and we struggled to get the victims out,” Rashed recalled.
Casualties from the school strike arrived at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. The hospital had already been overwhelmed by constant ambulances. Omar al-Derawi, a photographer, reported the situation.
Moreover, the strike has strained international relations, with several countries condemning the attack and urging restraint.
Despite calls for ceasefire and peace talks, the situation remains volatile, with both sides preparing for potential escalation.
In conclusion, the Gaza school strike has brought the dire situation in Gaza to global attention.
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