In a tragic escalation of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, at least 12 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza City. The school, Mustafa Hafez, located in the western Rimal neighborhood, was housing displaced individuals when it was struck. According to the Hamas-run Civil Defence authority, rescuers are still working to recover people trapped under the rubble.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the strike targeted a Hamas command and control center embedded within the school. They emphasized that they had taken measures to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence. However, the aftermath has left the local community in mourning, as videos on social media depict the chaotic scene with women and children fleeing the dust and debris.
Witnesses on the ground, including Umm Mohammed, described the devastating impact of the strike, with many civilians buried under the collapsed two-story building. Mahmoud Basal, a Civil Defence spokesman, confirmed that 12 bodies had been recovered by the afternoon. He also noted that the targeted wing of the school housed approximately 700 displaced people, highlighting the severe humanitarian implications of the strike.
The incident has drawn international condemnation, particularly from the UN Human Rights Office, which has criticized the increasing frequency of Israeli strikes on schools sheltering displaced people. Earlier this month, the UN reported at least 21 strikes on such schools since July 4th, resulting in 274 fatalities. Despite the IDF’s claims that these schools were being used by Hamas and Islamic Jihad as military facilities, the high civilian death toll has sparked outrage and concern.
In addition to the attack on Mustafa Hafez school, further strikes in Gaza have claimed more lives. Five people were killed in a strike on a house in Bureij refugee camp, and four others died in nearby Deir al-Balah. The IDF reported that its operations in central Gaza had “eliminated numerous terrorists,” including two who emerged from an underground tunnel attempting to plant an explosive device.
These events unfold as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken continues his diplomatic efforts in the region, visiting Egypt to push for a ceasefire and a deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Despite these efforts, the situation remains tense, with little indication of an imminent resolution. Talks between Mr. Blinken and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have highlighted the deep divisions between the parties, particularly concerning Israel’s demand to maintain a military presence in the Philadelphi corridor, a key sticking point in the negotiations.
As the conflict rages on, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. The latest strikes, particularly on civilian infrastructure like schools, underscore the urgent need for a ceasefire and a renewed commitment to peace. However, the path to resolution remains fraught with challenges, as both sides hold firm to their positions, leaving civilians to bear the brunt of the ongoing violence.