By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
At least 30 people have been killed and over 100 injured in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, where thousands had sought shelter, according to Palestinian officials. The Israeli military reported that the strike targeted a Hamas command and control center within the compound.
Dr. Khalil Al-Daqran, a spokesperson for Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, stated that most of the victims brought in were women and children. Footage from the hospital morgue showed bodies on the floor and people arriving to identify their loved ones, with children among the deceased. The emergency room was overwhelmed, with patients being treated on the floor. A young boy, identified only by a label on his stomach, died shortly after arriving.
The strike occurred shortly after new evacuation orders were issued for the city of Khan Younis, where an ongoing Israeli offensive has resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned residents of impending operations, urging them to evacuate to a designated humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi. The IDF cited significant terrorist activity and rocket fire from southern Khan Younis as the reason for this escalation.
Approximately 150,000 people fled Khan Younis on Monday, exacerbating shortages of food, water, and shelter. Al-Mawasi has been repeatedly targeted, with a recent strike on July 14 reportedly killing 90 and injuring 300.
An eyewitness in Khan Younis described being awakened by screams and explosions as people fled. Footage showed residents escaping by various means, carrying their belongings.
Israel initiated its military offensive on October 7 following a Hamas attack in southern Israel that killed at least 1,200 people and led to over 250 abductions. Subsequent Israeli actions in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of 39,258 Palestinians and injuries to 90,589, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health. Nearly 2 million people have been displaced, nearly the entire population of Gaza, according to UN figures.
Aid agencies in Gaza have expressed concern that new evacuation orders are hindering the delivery of emergency supplies. The UN Relief and Works Agency described conditions in Gaza as inhumane and unsafe.
On Thursday, the IDF announced the recovery of five Israeli hostages' bodies from a tunnel in a previously designated humanitarian area in Khan Younis.
Despite ongoing hostilities, US and Israeli officials have shown optimism about a potential ceasefire and hostage deal. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that negotiations were nearing a conclusion, with talks set to resume in Rome. The US delegation, led by CIA Director Bill Burns, will meet with counterparts from Qatar, Egypt, and Israel.
During a visit to Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Vice President Kamala Harris, who urged the finalization of an agreement. Harris expressed support for those calling for a ceasefire and seeking peace.
