News
Israeli Strike on Gaza School Kills 22, Reports Say
At least 22 Palestinians were killed and over 100 wounded on Sunday in a strike on a UN-run school in central Gaza, which was being used as a shelter for displaced people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The Israeli military claimed it targeted Hamas “terrorists” operating from Abu Oraiban School in the Nuseirat refugee camp.
Witnesses, said that there were no armed fighters at the site and that children were among the casualties. This incident marks the fifth attack on or near schools in Gaza in the past eight days.
In addition to the school strike, residents reported fresh air and artillery strikes in central Gaza on Monday. Five people were reportedly killed when a house in the Maghazi refugee camp was hit. The Israeli military stated that its aircraft had targeted dozens of “terror targets” across the territory in the past day.
Negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release between Hamas and Israel are reportedly ongoing. This follows an air strike in the southern al-Mawasi humanitarian area on Saturday, which the health ministry said killed over 90 people. The Israeli military said the strike targeted a compound housing senior Hamas leaders, including Mohammed Deif and Rafa Salama. Salama was confirmed killed, but it is unclear if Deif also died. Hamas stated that Deif is in good health.
The recent conflict began on 7 October when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, more than 38,660 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the health ministry. These figures include both civilians and combatants.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that Hamas used the school as a “hideout and operational infrastructure” for attacks against Israeli troops. They emphasized that “numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians,” including using precise munitions and additional intelligence. The IDF accused Hamas of using civilians and civilian structures as “human shields,” a charge that Hamas has denied.
Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defence force initially reported 15 deaths, mostly women and children. The health ministry later updated the death toll to 22. Hamas condemned the strike as an “extension of the genocide” against displaced Palestinians.
The IDF acknowledged carrying out five strikes on or near schools sheltering displaced people since 6 July, targeting Hamas figures and fighters using these sites as bases. Last Tuesday, hospital officials said at least 29 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a camp for displaced people near a school in Khan Younis. Additionally, 20 people were reportedly killed in three earlier strikes on other UN-run and church-run schools.
News
Tragedy Strikes Hindu Festival in India: Nearly 40 Children Drown During Ritual Bathing
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
News
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut, Hezbollah Leader Targeted Amid Escalating Conflict
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
News
Strong Winds Cause Further Ferry Cancellations Between Isle of Man and Lancashire
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
-
Spotlight4 days ago
Top Legal Pitfalls Employers Must Avoid to Prevent Wrongful Termination Claims
-
Sports4 days ago
Barcelona’s Ter Stegen to Undergo Knee Surgery After Injury
-
Sports4 days ago
‘Haaland throwing ball at Gabriel a coward’s move’
-
Business5 days ago
British Airways Suspends Summer 2025 Flights from Southampton Airport
-
News4 days ago
Japan Battles Devastating Floods Following Record Rainfall, Six Dead
-
Entertainment4 days ago
Deadline Set for Bids on Historic Peter Pan House in Dumfries
-
Sports5 days ago
Stones Snatches Late Equaliser to Deny Arsenal Victory at Etihad
-
News15 hours ago
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut, Hezbollah Leader Targeted Amid Escalating Conflict