An Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced families in central Gaza killed at least 17 people on Thursday, most of them women and children, according to Palestinian medical officials. The school, located in the Nuseirat refugee camp, had been providing refuge for those fleeing ongoing violence.
At least 42 others were injured in the strike, which hit one of Gaza’s most densely populated areas. Among the dead were 13 children and three women, according to records from Awda Hospital, which received the casualties.
The Israeli military claimed it targeted Hamas militants hiding inside the school, though they provided no evidence. This is not the first time schools-turned-shelters have been struck, with Israel maintaining it only targets militants. However, many of these strikes result in high civilian casualties, particularly women and children.
Cease-Fire Talks Resume as U.S. Pushes for Peace
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking in Qatar, announced that Israel has effectively dismantled Hamas’ infrastructure, and cease-fire negotiations would soon resume. Blinken noted that discussions over a potential prisoner swap and cease-fire were expected to take place “in the coming days.”
He expressed uncertainty over whether Hamas would engage in talks but confirmed that negotiators were set to return to Doha for renewed discussions. The head of Israel’s Mossad is scheduled to meet with CIA Director Bill Burns and Qatari officials in a new round of in-person talks this weekend.
The talks have faced significant challenges, especially since the death of top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Despite the United States’ hope to move forward, both sides have shown little flexibility in their positions.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Northern Gaza
In northern Gaza, health workers are warning of a worsening humanitarian crisis as Israeli forces continue their offensive. Hundreds have been killed in recent days, and tens of thousands more have fled. Hospitals in the north, like Kamal Adwan Hospital, are overwhelmed, with shortages of medical supplies and staff.
Dr. Hossam Abu Safiyeh, director of the hospital, reported that 150 wounded people were currently being treated, including children in intensive care. He said many die every hour due to the lack of resources, as ambulances are unable to reach patients in need.
Footage from inside the hospital shows desperate conditions, with medical staff struggling to care for children with severe injuries. “We are providing the bare minimum,” Abu Safiyeh said.
First Responders Suspend Operations After Israeli Strikes
Civil Defense teams, operating under Hamas in northern Gaza, announced they had suspended operations after Israeli forces fired on one of their teams in Beit Lahiya. Three responders were wounded, and a firetruck was destroyed. The team had been ordered to relocate to the Indonesian Hospital, where Israeli troops were stationed, but Israeli fire halted their mission.
In response, Civil Defense issued a statement halting all operations in northern Gaza, leaving the area without emergency services. The Israeli military has not commented on the incident.
Lebanon Hit by Israeli Airstrikes Amid Expanding Conflict
The conflict has expanded beyond Gaza, with Israel’s military now engaged in a ground offensive in Lebanon. Lebanese health officials reported that 19 people were killed over the last 24 hours due to intense airstrikes and shelling, bringing Lebanon’s death toll to 2,593 since the war began in October 2023.
The situation remains dire, as civilians in both Gaza and Lebanon bear the brunt of escalating military operations.
