Israel's Airstrike on Gaza School Escalates Tensions in Middle East

An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City school killed at least 15 Palestinians, while earlier strikes killed nine militants in the West Bank, escalating tensions in the region. The violence occurs amid fears of a broader conflict involving Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah. Ongoing diplomatic efforts aim to de-escalate the situation.

An Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced persons in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of at least 15 Palestinians on Saturday, according to Hamas. Earlier, two airstrikes in the occupied West Bank killed nine militants, including a local Hamas commander.

The Israeli military reported that the first of the two West Bank airstrikes targeted a militant cell en route to an attack, while the second strike hit a group who had fired on troops during a counterterrorism operation. Palestinian news agency WAFA and Hamas confirmed the death toll from these strikes.

The surge in violence follows increased Israeli raids and anti-Israeli attacks in the West Bank, amid growing tensions with Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah. Diplomatic efforts by the U.S. and international partners continue in a bid to prevent a wider regional conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)