An Israeli airstrike on Thursday claimed the lives of at least 27 Palestinians, including 14 children and five women, who were sheltering at a school in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City. The attack also left 70 others injured, with several in critical condition, according to Palestinian health officials.
The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted a Hamas “command and control center” in the area and emphasized efforts to minimize civilian harm. However, the incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with Hamas labeling the attack a “heinous massacre” of innocent civilians.
This airstrike is part of an intensified Israeli offensive in Gaza, which has seen sweeping evacuation orders and expanded ground operations. The United Nations reports that approximately 280,000 Palestinians have been displaced since the ceasefire with Hamas ended last month.
The escalating conflict has raised concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as Israel’s blockade on food, fuel, and aid continues to exacerbate shortages. Rights groups have criticized these measures as potential war crimes.
