The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched an attack on a school near Deir al-Balah, a city in central Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 Palestinians and injuries to over 100 others. This attack, which took place in the Khadija School, has been confirmed by the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza.
The IDF stated on Telegram that the school was targeted because it housed a Hamas command and control center. According to the IDF, Hamas had embedded its operations within the school compound, using it as a base for planning and directing attacks as well as storing weapons.
Civilian Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that many of the victims were civilians, with a significant number of children among the dead and injured. Verified footage from the scene, corroborated by the BBC, shows a harrowing situation with people running through rubble-strewn compounds. Men are seen carrying bloodied children, while a woman clutches another child. A group of individuals is depicted carrying an injured man on a stretcher, with a body covered by a blanket lying nearby.
IDF’s Measures and Justification
The IDF emphasized that it took measures to minimize civilian casualties. These steps included using appropriate munitions, conducting aerial surveillance, and gathering additional intelligence. Despite these precautions, the strike has resulted in significant civilian casualties, drawing widespread condemnation and raising concerns about the humanitarian impact of military operations in densely populated areas.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Impact
This strike is part of a broader military campaign by Israel in Gaza, which has been ongoing for several months. According to Gaza’s health ministry, this campaign has resulted in over 39,000 Palestinian deaths. The conflict was reignited on October 7, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
Evacuation Orders and Intensifying Operations
In a related development, the IDF has ordered civilians in the southern parts of Khan Younis to evacuate to an “adjusted humanitarian area” in al-Mawasi, a coastal region. This order came as the IDF prepared to launch a forceful operation in response to significant rocket fire from southern Khan Younis and intelligence indicating Hamas infrastructure in the area.
The IDF has released maps showing a reduced humanitarian zone in al-Mawasi, shrinking the area further after an initial evacuation order. Following these orders, Gaza’s health ministry reported that at least 70 people were killed by Israeli strikes around Khan Younis.
Humanitarian Concerns and International Response
The strikes and subsequent civilian casualties have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where displaced people have sought refuge in schools and other facilities. The attack on the Khadija School, which was sheltering displaced individuals, has drawn particular outrage. Hamas condemned the attack, highlighting the deaths of displaced, sick, and wounded individuals, most of whom were women and children.
Conclusion
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, the humanitarian toll on civilians remains a critical concern. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, calling for measures to protect civilians and ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need. The tragedy at Khadija School underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all affected populations.
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