Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have claimed the lives of 17 people, including Deiab al-Jaro, the mayor of Deir el-Balah, and seven civilians at a UN-run school. The strikes, which targeted heavily populated areas, have intensified the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Airstrike on UN School
A strike on the Al-Majida Wasila school in western Gaza City killed seven people, including women and children, and left at least 10 others injured. The school, operated by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, had been converted into a shelter for families displaced by the ongoing war.
Mahmud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defense agency, confirmed the casualties. He called the attack devastating, as the shelter housed vulnerable civilians who had fled bombarded areas.
Mayor Targeted in Deir el-Balah
Another strike on the Deir el-Balah town hall killed 10 people, including Mayor Deiab al-Jaro. The Israeli military claimed Jaro was a member of Hamas’s military wing, though this allegation has not been independently verified.
Bassal condemned the attack on the town hall, calling it a deliberate targeting of public institutions that serve the local community.
Escalating Civilian Casualties
The ongoing conflict, which began after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in a staggering death toll in Gaza. According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 44,930 people have been killed, the majority of them civilians.
Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours alone have killed at least 52 people. Schools, hospitals, and residential areas continue to bear the brunt of the bombardments. In Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, airstrikes have demolished homes and critical infrastructure. Kamal Adwan Hospital also came under fire, further crippling medical services.
Intensified Siege in Northern Gaza
Israel has tightened its siege in northern Gaza, leading to widespread destruction in cities and towns. Entire neighborhoods have been flattened, leaving thousands homeless. The humanitarian situation has worsened, with basic necessities like food, water, and medical supplies in short supply.
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Humanitarian Concerns Grow
The targeting of schools and hospitals has drawn sharp criticism from international organizations. The destruction of shelters and medical facilities exacerbates the suffering of civilians, many of whom have no safe refuge left. Human rights advocates have raised alarms over potential violations of international humanitarian law.
The war’s impact on Gaza’s civilian population remains catastrophic, with displaced families bearing the brunt of relentless airstrikes. As the conflict continues, calls for an immediate ceasefire and access to humanitarian aid grow louder, but a resolution remains elusive.
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