An Israeli airstrike struck a school sheltering displaced families in northern Gaza, killing at least 10 people, local health authorities reported. The attack on the Yafa School in the Tuffah area of Gaza City ignited fires in tents and classrooms, forcing residents to frantically search for safety and salvage their belongings.
Medics described chaotic scenes as flames engulfed the school hours after the strike. “The whole school was on fire, and people were shouting,” an eyewitness recounted. Israeli authorities have not commented on the attack.
The Gaza-based Health Ministry also reported that an Israeli missile hit the upper building of the Durra Children’s Hospital in Gaza City, damaging the intensive care unit and destroying the solar panel system that powers the facility. No casualties were reported in the hospital strike.
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
The death toll from Wednesday’s attacks rose to at least 20, with medics reporting additional fatalities in separate Israeli strikes across the enclave. Since the conflict escalated on October 7, Israeli attacks have killed over 8,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, displacing hundreds of thousands from their homes.
Gaza’s healthcare system is nearing collapse, exacerbated by an Israeli blockade on supplies, including fuel and electricity, since the conflict intensified. The blockade aims to pressure Hamas to release Israeli hostages captured during the October 7 attacks. Hamas has indicated willingness to free them as part of a deal to end the war.
Rescue Efforts Impeded
Ongoing bombardments have left many Palestinian victims trapped under rubble, with rescue teams unable to reach them due to continuous strikes. The attacks have also targeted equipment essential for rescue operations, including bulldozers and machinery used to clear debris and roads.
The Israeli military stated on Tuesday that it had targeted 40 “engineering vehicles” allegedly used for “terrorist actions,” referencing Hamas’ attack on October 7. Many of these heavy vehicles were parked on roads or housed in municipal garages.
Background of the Conflict
On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, resulting in over 1,400 deaths and capturing more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli records. In response, Israel has conducted extensive military operations in Gaza, leading to significant loss of life and displacement among Palestinians.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis, urging for immediate measures to protect civilians and provide essential aid to those affected.
