The victims were taken to nearby hospitals, where medical staff at Awda Hospital reported 10 fatalities at the scene. Four more critically injured individuals were transported to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah for emergency treatment. Among the deceased were at least one woman and two children.
The Israeli military stated that the airstrike was aimed at Hamas operatives allegedly using the school premises to plan attacks, though this claim has not been independently verified. UN officials managing the school have expressed grave concern over the repeated targeting of civilian areas.
This incident comes amid a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where schools have turned into makeshift shelters for tens of thousands of Palestinians forced to flee their homes due to military operations and airstrikes. As of now, more than 90% of educational facilities in Gaza have sustained severe damage, according to a survey conducted by the Education Cluster.
Investigations into the full extent of the damage and the circumstances leading to this tragic event are ongoing. The Israeli military has defended its actions, citing the use of schools and other civilian structures by Hamas militants. However, independent organizations and UN officials have called for immediate action to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
