The violence in northern Gaza escalated on Wednesday when an Israeli airstrike on the Yafa School in the Tuffah area of Gaza City, which was sheltering displaced families, claimed at least 10 lives.
Local medics described a scene of chaos as tents and classrooms went up in flames. Survivors sifted through blackened debris, searching for belongings amid the smoke and rubble.
Earlier the same day, another missile struck the upper floors of the Durra Children's Hospital, damaging its intensive care unit and destroying solar panels that powered the facility. Miraculously, no casualties were reported in that attack.
Since a January ceasefire collapsed on March 18, Gaza health authorities report that Israeli strikes have killed more than 1,600 people across the enclave, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. The Gaza-based Health Ministry warns that ongoing blockades on fuel, electricity and medical supplies have pushed the healthcare system to the brink of collapse.
The ministry also says many victims remain trapped under rubble, as rescue efforts are hampered by continued bombardment. Heavy machinery used for debris removal has itself become a target, with the Israeli military reporting it struck 40 engineering vehicles allegedly involved in Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel.
That October assault resulted in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken to Gaza, according to Israeli records. Since then, local authorities say more than 51,000 Palestinians have perished in the ensuing offensive.
As the death toll rises and vital services crumble, global eyes remain fixed on calls for a humanitarian pause and a renewed push for negotiations to protect civilians caught in the crossfire.
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Israeli airstrikes kill 10 in school housing displaced families
cgtn.com
