Gaza School Strike by Israel Claims 30 Lives, Injures Dozens Amid Rising Tensions

An Israeli airstrike on Sunday, targeted a school in Gaza City that was being used as a shelter, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people and injuring dozens more, according to the Palestinian emergency response agency and local news outlets.

This strike marks the third attack on educational institutions within the last four days. The school, identified as Hassan Salame, was struck by an F-16 fighter jet, causing extensive damage.

Mahmoud Basal, a spokesman for the Palestinian Civil Defense, reported that most of the victims were women and children. At least 14 individuals remain buried under the rubble.

Additionally, shrapnel and debris affected a neighboring school, Nasser, which was also being used as a shelter.

Initial reports estimated the death toll at 25, but this number has since risen to 30. It remains unclear whether any of those killed were militants.

The Israeli military stated that the airstrike targeted “terrorists” located in “Hamas command and control centers” situated within the Hassan Salame and Nasser schools.

The military claimed it had taken “numerous steps to mitigate the risk of harming civilians” before the strike, including using precision munitions and conducting surveillance. However, specific details on these measures were not provided.

Emergency crews and local residents have been searching for survivors amid the wreckage. Mr. Basal expressed frustration over the attack, emphasizing the civilian toll.

“Right in front of me, there was a 5-year-old child dying. How is that related to Oct. 7?” he said. “If you want to kill someone, kill him away from other people.”

Sunday’s attack echoes similar incidents over the past few days. On Saturday, Hamama School was struck, resulting in 17 deaths, while another strike on Thursday targeted Dalal al-Mughrabi School, killing 15. All four schools had been transformed into temporary shelters for displaced Gazans, with classrooms and hallways becoming makeshift living quarters.

Following each attack, social media videos have captured the devastation: burning structures, panicked screams, and motionless bodies.

Mohsen al-Jabareh, a 28-year-old who had been sheltering at Hassan Salame for three months, described the moment of the strike: “We had just sat down to lunch when a deafening blast of smoke, dust, and fire enveloped us.”

The situation in Gaza continues to escalate as the conflict persists, with civilian casualties mounting amid ongoing hostilities.

Chioma Kalu

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