Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip – An Israeli airstrike early Thursday on a school serving as a shelter for displaced Palestinians in central Gaza resulted in the deaths of more than 30 individuals, including 23 women and children, as reported by local health officials. Israeli military officials justified the strike by claiming that Hamas militants were operating from within the school.

The attack followed the Israeli military’s announcement of a new ground and air assault on several refugee camps in central Gaza, with the aim of pursuing Hamas militants allegedly regrouping in the area. This latest offensive highlights the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and the resilience of militant groups like Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Witnesses and hospital staff disclosed that the predawn strike targeted the al-Sardi School, which is run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The school was providing shelter to Palestinians who had fled previous Israeli offensives in northern Gaza.

Ayman Rashed, a displaced individual seeking refuge at the school, recounted the harrowing experience of assisting in the recovery of victims following the strike. He described the chaos and devastation that ensued, with multiple casualties, including elderly individuals and children, as a result of the attack.

At the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, located in Deir al-Balah, at least 33 individuals were declared deceased from the strike, with hospital records indicating that among the casualties were 14 children and nine women. Another strike on a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp claimed the lives of six more individuals according to hospital reports.

Videos circulating online depicted the overwhelming scenes at the hospital, with injured individuals being treated on the floor due to the influx of patients. The hospital’s staff faced challenges in providing care and managing the surge of casualties, underscoring the strain on Gaza’s healthcare system amid the ongoing conflict.

Amid escalating violence, the Israeli military maintained its stance on targeting Hamas strongholds within civilian areas, citing security concerns and the need to prevent future attacks on Israeli troops. The military released images purporting to show militants within the school prior to the strike, although concrete evidence to support these claims was not immediately provided.

As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, international organizations and humanitarian groups have expressed grave concerns about the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. The continued violence has taken a toll on Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure, further exacerbating the challenges faced by medical facilities in providing adequate care for the wounded and displaced individuals.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the need for a lasting ceasefire and negotiations to address the root causes of the conflict becoming increasingly urgent. Despite calls for de-escalation from the international community, the cycle of violence persists, claiming the lives of innocent civilians and deepening the human suffering in the region.