Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties, complicating ceasefire negotiations.
On Thursday, health officials reported that over 80 Palestinians lost their lives in Gaza as Israel ramped up its airstrikes across the region. Among the deceased were many who were in search of aid, highlighting the dire situation as ceasefire discussions were underway. According to a source, Hamas officials were set to convene to formulate a response to a recent proposal accepted by Israel.
In Gaza City, a school serving as a temporary shelter was struck, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals and injuring 25 more, many of whom suffered severe burns, as stated by Dr. Mohammad Abu Silmiya, director of Al-Shifa hospital. The hospital is providing care to those injured in this attack.
Fares Afana, head of Emergency and Medical Services in northern Gaza, described the scene as “extremely harrowing,” with charred bodies of victims, including children. His teams were involved in evacuating the injured from the school.
Another 12 casualties were reported from various strikes in Gaza City, according to the hospital director.
In response to inquiries about the school strike, the Israeli military claimed it targeted a “key Hamas terrorist operating from a command and control center” in Gaza City. They emphasized that steps were taken to minimize civilian harm, using precise munitions and aerial intelligence.
Earlier, the Israeli army announced that it had targeted approximately 150 sites linked to terrorism throughout the Gaza Strip, including underground routes and military installations. CNN has sought further comments from the Israeli military regarding Thursday’s strikes.
Images from the attack site in Gaza City depicted flames engulfing a building and several severely burned bodies.
In the south of Gaza, 35 bodies were brought to Nasser Hospital on Thursday morning. The deceased included 15 individuals reportedly killed while awaiting aid in Khan Younis and 20 others in strikes on city encampments, according to hospital spokesperson Ahmad Al-Fara.
The aid seekers were positioned near the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution sites when the attack occurred. At a funeral, Awad Barbach questioned the safety assurances of the American foundation, “They said the American (GHF) is safe, is that what safety looks like?”
In a separate incident near the Netzarim Corridor, chaos ensued as crowds gathered for aid, resulting in 25 deaths, reported by Abu Silmiya, the Al-Shifa hospital director. Eyewitness Ahmed Khella recounted the scene, “It was a trap… people were stabbing each other for the food… then there was an hour and a half of Israeli gunfire… we are not Hamas or Fatah. I’m just a civilian who wants to eat, and instead, I find death.”
He further expressed his frustration, “Where are (Hamas)?… they are all dogs,” capturing the desperation and chaos of the situation.
