The Gaza Strip is reeling from a devastating series of Israeli strikes that hit two schools and a hospital, killing over 40 Palestinians and injuring dozens more. The attacks, which occurred on Sunday, have sparked widespread outrage and condemnation.
In the past ten months, Israel has targeted at least 172 “designated shelters,” mostly schools, that house thousands of displaced families. The Israeli military claims these shelters are being used as Hamas military compounds, but Hamas denies this.
The latest strikes hit the Hassan Salama and Al-Nasser schools, which were sheltering Palestinian families. Footage shows bodies scattered in the schoolyard, with residents rushing to carry casualties, including children, to nearby hospitals.
Meanwhile, an Israeli air strike hit Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza, killing at least 44 Palestinians. Health officials say the strike started a fire and wounded at least 18 people.
The Israeli military claims it targeted a militant who was conducting terror activities, but Hamas says it does not use civilian institutions for military purposes.
The death toll from the Israeli military campaign in Gaza has risen to at least 39,550, according to health officials. Despite diplomatic efforts in Cairo, the violence continues, with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting that Israel must retain control over areas on the border with Egypt.
Hamas blames Netanyahu for the lack of progress in ceasefire talks, saying he is “not interested” in a peaceful resolution. The situation remains volatile, with regional tensions soaring after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh last week. Both Hamas and Iran have accused Israel of carrying out the assassination and have pledged to respond.
