Casualties Mount in Gaza as Israeli Strikes Hit Civilian Areas

At least 30 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli strike on a school in Deir al Balah, central Gaza, while the Israeli military stated that it targeted a Hamas command center. Injuries surpassed 100, with additional fatalities reported from other areas including Khan Younis and Rafah. Humanitarian officials criticize disproportionate force.

At least 30 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli strike on a school in Deir al Balah in central Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials. The Israeli military stated it had struck a Hamas command center within the school compound. Over 100 others were wounded in the incident.

The strike, conducted on one of the most populated areas of displaced families, drew swift condemnation. Ambulances expedited the injured to Al-Aqsa Hospital, while some Palestinians, their clothes stained with blood, arrived on foot. The Israeli military claimed the target was used for launching attacks against troops and as a weapons cache, warning civilians beforehand.

Further Israeli attacks were reported, including one in Khan Younis resulting in 14 deaths, and another in Rafah where four perished. Israeli forces communicated evacuation warnings via multiple channels, aiming to minimize civilian casualties. Despite such measures, U.N. officials accuse Israel of using excessive force.

(With inputs from agencies.)