In a devastating turn of events, more than 100 people were killed when an Israeli airstrike hit a school in Gaza City’s Daraj neighborhood on Saturday morning. The school was serving as a shelter for displaced individuals, including women, children, and the elderly, who were caught in the strike during dawn prayers.

The Israeli military later issued a statement, asserting that the school was being used as a “Hamas headquarters” and was sheltering terrorists. They claimed that steps were taken to minimize civilian casualties, though the strike still resulted in a tragic loss of life.

In contrast, the Gaza government’s media office strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a massacre and accusing Israel of committing genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people. They emphasized that the school was directly targeted during morning prayers, leading to a significant number of deaths. The destruction was so extensive that rescue teams have struggled to recover all the bodies.

The Gaza authorities have called on the international community to speak out against the attack and to apply pressure on Israel to halt what they describe as a systematic campaign of violence against civilians in the Gaza Strip.

This airstrike is part of a larger conflict that has been escalating since October 7, 2023, when Hamas forces infiltrated Israeli territory. In response, Israel has launched numerous airstrikes across Gaza, leading to widespread destruction and significant civilian casualties.

The ongoing violence has raised urgent questions about the protection of civilians during conflicts and the responsibilities of the international community in addressing such crises. As the situation continues to develop, the world watches with concern, hoping for a resolution that will bring peace and safety to all those affected.