Israeli Strike on Gaza School Results in Tragic Loss

A devastating incident occurred in central Gaza, where an Israeli military strike targeted a school near Deir al-Balah, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 Palestinians and injuring more than 100, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated on Telegram that the Khadija School housed a Hamas command and control center, which was allegedly used to direct and plan attacks and store weapons.

The health ministry in Gaza reported that the victims were primarily civilians, with many being children, as the school served as a shelter for displaced individuals. Gaza’s civil defense service also confirmed that the school was providing refuge to those displaced. In response, Hamas denied the military use of the school, stating on Telegram that the claim was “false” and emphasizing that the facility sheltered displaced, sick, and wounded people, most of whom were women and children.

The tragic event has added to the growing toll in Gaza, with the health ministry reporting 53 fatalities and 189 injuries in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis since Saturday morning due to IDF bombings. Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, condemned the strike on X, highlighting the dire situation of the already vulnerable population being forced to relocate repeatedly. He called for an immediate ceasefire, stating, “Ceasefire has to happen now.”