In a heartbreaking development in Gaza on Thursday, local civil defense officials reported that at least 25 people were killed amid escalating conflict. Among them, 12 lost their lives when a strike hit the Mustafa Hafez School sheltering displaced Palestinians, marking a grim day for the community.
The school, a refuge for many seeking safety during nearly 22 months of unrest, was reduced to rubble. Eyewitnesses recalled scenes of devastation with rescue teams sifting through charred debris, and many of the victims were children and women 😢.
Other parts of Gaza are also reeling. In central Gaza, gunfire near an aid distribution site reportedly killed six people, while artillery strikes in Beit Lahia, Jabalia, and the coastal Al-Mawasi area added to the casualties. Notably, Al-Mawasi—declared a safe zone in December 2023—has faced repeated attacks.
The Israeli military stated it is investigating the incidents and emphasized that its operations aim to dismantle Hamas military capabilities while following international law and taking precautions to mitigate civilian harm. However, media restrictions continue to make independent verification challenging.
As the conflict drags on, the grim toll on Gaza’s civilians serves as a stark reminder of the enduring humanitarian crisis, leaving a community grappling with loss and uncertainty.
Reference(s):
Gaza rescuers say Israeli forces kill 25, including 12 in shelter
cgtn.com
