At least 33 Palestinians have lost their lives, and over 100 have been injured due to Israeli airstrikes on schools in Gaza City. This tragic event occurred in the Tuffah neighborhood, where three schools were being used as shelters for displaced families.
On Thursday, the Dar al-Arqam School, which was converted into a shelter, was struck by multiple missiles. Local officials reported that 29 people died in that attack, including 18 children. Additional reports confirmed that four more individuals were killed at the Fahd School, also in Tuffah, which was housing displaced families. Another school, Shaaban Alrayyes, was reportedly hit, but there were no immediate reports on casualties from that strike.
The Israeli military stated that their strikes targeted a command center used by Hamas fighters to plan attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers. However, it remains unclear if this command center was located within the schools that were hit.
Gaza has been under intense bombardment, with shelters for displaced families frequently targeted. Eyewitness accounts describe the aftermath of the bombing at the Dar al-Arqam School as horrific. Many victims died instantly, while others succumbed to their injuries on the way to hospitals. A local spokesperson emphasized the urgency for international intervention to stop the violence, highlighting the devastating impact on women and children.
Since the fighting resumed on March 18, over 1,163 people have been killed in Gaza, with the total number of casualties since the war began in October 2023 exceeding 50,500. The ongoing conflict has left the region in a state of humanitarian crisis, with severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies due to a monthlong siege imposed by Israel.
As the violence escalates, many families are fleeing their homes in search of safety. Hundreds of thousands are now displaced, with many trying to find shelter amid the chaos. Reports indicate that the Israeli military has expanded its operations into southern Gaza, particularly in Rafah, where many had sought refuge from earlier attacks.
The situation remains dire as the healthcare system in Gaza struggles to cope with the influx of casualties. Rescue teams are finding it increasingly challenging to recover victims from the rubble due to limited resources. The world watches as the humanitarian crisis deepens, calling for urgent action to protect civilians caught in the crossfire.