In Deir Al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Israeli airstrikes targeted a U.N. school that was sheltering displaced Palestinian families and two homes, resulting in the death of at least 34 individuals, including 19 women and children, according to hospital officials.
The deadliest strike occurred at the U.N.’s Al-Jaouni Preparatory Boys School in central Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp. The Israeli military claimed they were targeting Hamas militants who were allegedly planning attacks from within the school. At least 14 people were killed in this strike, with 18 others sustaining injuries.
One of the casualties was the daughter of Momin Selmi, a member of Gaza’s civil defense agency. Selmi had not seen his daughter in 10 months as he remained in north Gaza to continue his work while his family sought refuge in the south.
Many Palestinians displaced by Israeli offensives and evacuation orders are currently seeking shelter in Gaza’s schools, including the al-Jaouni school, which is managed by the U.N. agency UNWRA and has been repeatedly struck during the ongoing conflict.
Israel has justified its attacks on schools by claiming they are being used by Hamas militants. The country attributes civilian casualties to Hamas, alleging that the group operates within densely populated residential areas.
Recent data indicates that more than 90% of Gaza’s school buildings have been significantly damaged by the airstrikes, and over half of the schools hosting displaced individuals have been hit.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s campaign in Gaza, which began nearly a year ago, has resulted in the death of at least 41,084 Palestinians and the injury of 95,029 individuals. The campaign was initiated in response to an attack by militants that caused casualties and abductions in southern Israel.
Further strikes on homes in different areas of Gaza, including Khan Younis and the Jabaliya refugee camp, have led to additional casualties, including the deaths of six brothers and sisters from the same family and prominent figures like Akram al-Najjar, a professor at al-Quds Open University, who survived the attack.
