Israeli Airstrike on Gaza Shelter Kills 27, Including Women and Children

An Israeli airstrike on Thursday, October 10, 2024, struck a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza, killing at least 27 people, including women and children. The shelter, located at Rafida School in Deir el-Balah, was housing civilians forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed that 54 others were injured in the attack.

The Israeli military claimed the school was being used by Hamas as a command and control center, justifying the strike as a necessary response in their ongoing campaign against the militant group. However, no evidence was provided to support this claim, and the strike drew widespread condemnation for its impact on civilians.

This tragic incident is part of a larger escalation in the conflict that has seen Israel ramping up its military campaign in Gaza. Over the past week, Israel has conducted multiple airstrikes across the region, targeting not only suspected Hamas hideouts but also residential areas.

The strike on Rafida School is not the first time Israeli forces have hit schools or civilian shelters in Gaza, with Israeli officials frequently alleging that Hamas uses such locations for military purposes.

The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, labeled the airstrike as a deliberate attack on innocent civilians, accusing Israel of violating international humanitarian law. As hospitals across Gaza are overwhelmed with the influx of injured civilians, aid groups have warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis.

The UN has called for immediate de-escalation, stressing the need for safe zones where civilians can seek refuge from the violence.

International reactions have been mixed. While some Western nations, including the U.S., reiterated Israel’s right to self-defense, many global leaders urged restraint, particularly given the mounting civilian death toll. Neighboring Arab countries, including Lebanon, condemned the attack, with Hezbollah ramping up its own hostilities toward Israel, launching missile attacks from southern Lebanon.

As the conflict continues to intensify, the already dire situation in Gaza is spiraling into an even greater humanitarian catastrophe. Israel has signaled its intent to continue targeting Hamas strongholds in Gaza, but with civilian casualties mounting, the international community is increasingly concerned about the long-term impact of this relentless military campaign​​.

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