DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — On Monday, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 46 individuals in the Gaza Strip, with 31 of them killed at a school that had been converted into a shelter, according to local health authorities. Many victims were asleep when the strike occurred, igniting their personal belongings. The Israeli military stated that the operation targeted militants using the school as a base.
Following a ceasefire with Hamas, Israel resumed its military offensive in March. The country has declared its intentions to gain full control of Gaza, pledging to continue the campaign until Hamas is either dismantled or disarmed and all remaining hostages—58 of whom are thought to be alive—are returned from the October 7, 2023 attack that initiated the conflict.
Last week, Israel allowed a limited amount of humanitarian aid to enter Gaza after blocking essential supplies for 2.5 months. Aid organizations have raised alarms about potential famine and expressed that the aid provided falls significantly short of the escalating needs.
New Aid System Under Controversy
A new humanitarian aid distribution system, which has been backed by Israel and the U.S. but rejected by U.N. agencies and aid organizations, is scheduled to commence operations on Monday. This comes despite the resignation of the American leader of the initiative, who expressed concerns about its operational independence.
Israel has articulated its goal of assuming complete control over Gaza, promoting a plan for what it describes as the voluntary relocation of its over 2 million residents. This proposal has been dismissed by Palestinians and much of the international community.
Details on Casualties and Strikes
The recent airstrike on the school located in Gaza City’s Daraj neighborhood also left over 55 people injured; among the deceased was a father along with his five children. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the school was hit multiple times during the night, incinerating belongings. Videos circulated online depict rescuers battling flames and retrieving charred remains.
Israel has asserted that the airstrike targeted a militant center used by Hamas and Islamic Jihad for coordinating attacks, holding Hamas responsible for civilian casualties due to its operations within populated areas. Separately, a home strike resulted in the deaths of 15 family members, including women and children, as reported by Shifa Hospital.
Aid Distribution Challenges Persist
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a new entity created by former humanitarian and military officials, is set to manage the distribution of aid through private security-guarded points. Israel alleges that Hamas has been misappropriating aid supplies, although no evidence has been provided.
The Foundation has announced it will begin aid deliveries aimed at reaching one million Palestinians by the week’s end. However, major U.N. agencies and aid organizations have declined to collaborate, warning that this system could lead to further displacement and violate humanitarian principles, asserting that no proof exists of consistent aid diversion by militants.
Since the conflict began, Hamas-led militants have killed approximately 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and kidnapped 251. While many hostages have been returned through ceasefire agreements and rescue operations, the ongoing military campaign has devastated vast areas of Gaza, leaving extensive destruction and displacing nearly 90% of its population. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that around 54,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to the retaliatory offensive.
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Magdy reported from Cairo.
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