Tragedy Strikes as Israeli Airstrike Hits School in Gaza City, Death Toll Estimated at 100
An Israeli airstrike on a school in the al-Daraj district of Gaza City has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with reports indicating between 90 to 100 fatalities. The attack occurred during morning prayers at al-Tabaeen school, which was sheltering internally displaced Palestinians, according to multiple sources including Al Jazeera and the Palestinian news agency Wafa.
On the day of the airstrike, Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for civil defense in Gaza, initially reported 40 casualties. However, this number rapidly increased as rescue efforts continued, with the final tally being reported as between 90 and 100 dead, alongside dozens more injured. Basal described the event as a horrific massacre, emphasizing the urgency of their efforts to control the flames and recover the bodies trapped in debris.
The Israeli military responded to the outrage, stating that their airstrike specifically targeted Hamas terrorists believed to be operating from a command center within the school premises. This incident is not an isolated one; just days prior, Israeli airstrikes hit two other schools in Gaza City, leading to further casualties.
Since the beginning of hostilities on October 7, Gaza's health authorities have reported that over 39,000 Palestinians have died due to Israeli attacks, the count including both civilians and combatants. Israeli officials estimate that over 14,000 combatants from groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad have been killed or captured in the conflict. The ongoing violence has raised international concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, with civilians caught in the crossfire as military operations continue.
These tragic events highlight the broader implications of the conflict, drawing attention to the plight of displaced individuals who seek shelter in safe havens but instead become victims of military actions. The reports from Gaza serve as a grim reminder of the human cost associated with ongoing hostilities, underscoring the need for urgent humanitarian assistance and solutions to end the violence.
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