Israeli airstrike on Gaza school kills 27

[MIDDLE EAST] An Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza City has killed at least 27 Palestinians, including 14 children and five women, according to local health authorities. The Dar al-Arqam school in the Tuffah area was acting as a shelter for displaced families when it was struck. The attack has attracted global outrage and highlighted concerns about civilian safety amid growing conflict in the region.

The incident occurred on Thursday as Israeli forces expanded their offensive in Gaza, targeting what they claimed as Hamas "command and control centers" hidden among civilian communities. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that precautions were taken to protect civilians, but provided no evidence to back up their claims.

Medical sources reported that 70 individuals were injured in the attack, with several in critical condition. Footage from Al-Ahli Hospital depicted children being rushed for emergency care amidst chaotic scenes of devastation. Witnesses described the aftermath as harrowing, with survivors recounting multiple waves of airstrikes hitting the school unexpectedly.

Broader Context

The airstrike is part of Israel's expanded military campaign aimed at pressuring Hamas and reclaiming territory within Gaza. Over 100 Palestinians were reportedly killed across the strip on Thursday alone, including casualties from strikes on homes and other shelters. The IDF has issued evacuation orders to residents in northern Gaza, warning of intensified operations in the coming days.

Hamas condemned the attack as a dangerous escalation and accused Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure to break Palestinian resistance. The militant group also denied using schools or hospitals for military purposes—a claim frequently cited by Israeli officials to justify their strikes.

International Reactions

The international community has reacted strongly to the incident. The United Nations expressed grave concern over the rising civilian death toll and urged immediate measures to protect non-combatants. Egypt called for unified global action to halt attacks on defenseless civilians, while Qatar labeled the strike a "brutal crime." European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the bombing as unjustifiable and noted that at least ten schools had been targeted over the past week.

The United States, traditionally a close ally of Israel, voiced "deep concern" over civilian casualties and reiterated its call for Israel to take steps to minimize harm to non-combatants. However, critics argue that international efforts have so far failed to curb the violence or hold parties accountable for potential violations of international law.

Humanitarian Crisis

The ongoing conflict has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Thousands of residents have been displaced as Israeli forces expand their ground offensive. Many families are fleeing on foot or using makeshift transportation like donkey carts, carrying whatever belongings they can salvage. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, struggling to provide adequate care amid shortages of medical supplies.

The UN estimates that nearly 300 people have been killed in attacks on schools converted into shelters since July 2024. Human rights organizations have called for an immediate ceasefire and access for humanitarian aid to alleviate suffering in the besieged territory.

As violence escalates in Gaza, calls for accountability and protection of civilians grow louder. The tragic loss of life at Dar al-Arqam school underscores the devastating impact of war on vulnerable populations. With international pressure mounting, all eyes are now on whether diplomatic efforts can bring an end to this cycle of bloodshed.