Last updated on August 28th, 2024 at 03:09 pm
At least 30 Palestinians were reported killed in an Israeli strike on a school in Deir al Balah, located in central Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials. The Gaza health ministry and the media office run by Hamas confirmed the death toll, stating that over 100 others were injured. The school, situated in an area heavily populated by displaced families, was struck in the early hours of Saturday.
Israeli Military Statement
The Israeli military announced that it had targeted a “Hamas command and control center” within the Khadija school compound in central Gaza. The statement claimed that the school was being utilized to launch attacks against Israeli forces and was also serving as a weapons cache. The military asserted that it had warned civilians prior to the strike in an effort to reduce casualties.
Scene at Al-Aqsa Hospital
At Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al Balah, ambulances rushed to transport the wounded Palestinians to the medical facility. Some of the injured arrived on foot, their clothing stained with blood. The hospital faced challenges in managing the surge of casualties resulting from the strike.
Previous Incidents and Accusations
In past incidents, Israel’s military has accused Hamas of using civilian infrastructure as shields, operating within densely populated neighborhoods, schools, and hospitals. However, Hamas denies these allegations. The ongoing conflict has resulted in numerous strikes on civilian areas, causing extensive destruction and loss of life.
Additional Casualties in Khan Younis and Rafah
Earlier on Saturday, at least 14 Palestinians were reported killed due to Israeli attacks in the southern city of Khan Younis, with their bodies taken to Nasser Medical Complex. The Israeli military had instructed Palestinians to temporarily evacuate southern neighborhoods of Khan Younis to facilitate military operations. Additionally, five Palestinians were killed in an airstrike on a house in Al-Bureij refugee camp, and four others died in a strike on a house in Rafah, near the Egyptian border.
UN and Humanitarian Concerns
U.N. and humanitarian organizations have expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and its impact on civilians.
