Escalation in Gaza: Schools Hit by Israeli Airstrikes Amid Rising Tensions

Israeli airstrikes targeted two schools in Gaza City, leading to at least 30 fatalities. The Israeli military claimed it struck a Hamas compound within the schools. Footage showed extensive casualties, with Gaza health officials reporting a total of 44 deaths. Israel braces for retaliation following key militant assassinations.

An Israeli airstrike targeted two schools in Gaza City on Sunday, killing at least 30 people, according to Palestinian officials. The Israeli military stated the strike targeted a Hamas military compound embedded within the schools. Earlier, a separate strike hit a hospital, resulting in additional casualties.

Palestinian media footage displayed bodies scattered in the schoolyards as residents hurried to assist casualties, including children, and transported them to nearby hospitals. Gaza's Civil Emergency Service reported dozens of injuries in addition to the deaths at the schools housing displaced families.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military emphasized attempts to minimize civilian harm, explaining that Hamas militants use civilian institutions as shields. Health officials noted that another strike on Al-Aqsa Hospital compound killed five and injured 18, indicating the presence of weapons due to secondary explosions.

(With inputs from agencies.)