Israel's airstrike on shelter in Gaza kills over 30 people
- At least 31 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in southern Gaza.
- The bombing resulted in the deaths of women, children, and displaced civilians, with the toll expected to rise.
- The Israel Defense Forces have acknowledged the attack and are reviewing the airstrike details.
An Israeli air attack on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people, marking the fourth such attack in as many days. The strike in Abbasan town hit the entrance of al-Awdah school, with most victims being women and children. The Israeli military claimed it targeted a Hamas militant near the school, acknowledging three other strikes on Gaza schools used as shelters. Philippe Lazzarini of UNRWA expressed concern over the impact on schools, once places of education now turned into overcrowded shelters. The escalating violence in Gaza saw multiple strikes on schools, including al-Jawni and Holy Family schools, resulting in casualties and widespread displacement. The Israeli offensive in pursuit of Hamas militants led to the evacuation of Gaza City, with residents directed to Deir al-Balah due to heavy bombardment. Medical facilities in Gaza City were forced to close, with hospitals relocating patients amid fears of Israeli military action. The situation has raised concerns about the collapse of ceasefire negotiations. The Israeli military defended its actions, citing the targeting of Hamas fighters and accusing the group of using civilian facilities for military purposes. The ongoing conflict has strained healthcare services in Gaza, with hospitals facing closures and limited functionality. International mediators, including the US, Egypt, and Qatar, have been working to broker a ceasefire deal, but Hamas has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing the truce talks. The situation remains volatile, with continued violence and displacement affecting civilians in Gaza. As the conflict intensifies, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with a significant impact on civilian infrastructure and essential services. The targeting of schools and medical facilities has raised concerns about violations of international humanitarian law. Efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement face challenges amid the ongoing hostilities, with the need for urgent action to protect civilians and facilitate peace negotiations. The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with the international community urged to intervene and address the escalating crisis.