Israeli Strikes Target Gaza Schools, Kill 30; Region Braces for Retaliation
An Israeli airstrike on Sunday targeted two schools in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people, according to Palestinian officials. The Israeli military stated that the schools were being used by Hamas as a command center, with fighters and weapon manufacturing embedded within the civilian infrastructure. The strike occurred amid escalating tensions following a failed round of cease-fire talks in Cairo.
Earlier in the day, another Israeli airstrike hit a tent camp inside Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza, killing at least five people and injuring 18. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted an individual involved in operations against Israel, and secondary explosions were observed, indicating the presence of explosives in the area.
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The airstrikes on the schools, identified as Hassan Salama and Al-Nasser, caused significant casualties, with Gaza’s Civil Emergency Service reporting dozens more wounded. The schools were sheltering displaced Palestinian families, and footage circulating on Palestinian media showed the aftermath of the explosions, with bodies scattered and residents rushing to aid the injured.
This series of strikes comes amid increased hostilities following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, actions for which Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility. Israel is currently bracing for potential retaliatory attacks from Iran and its allies, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stating that Israel is prepared to respond decisively to any aggression.
Meanwhile, rocket sirens were heard in Ashdod, southern Israel, as five rockets were launched from Gaza. Hamas claimed responsibility for the rocket fire, stating it was in retaliation for what they termed as “massacres against civilians” by Israel.
