Israeli strike on school sheltering thousands results in death of over 90 people, officials report

An airstrike by the Israel Defense Forces on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City resulted in the death of over 93 people and numerous injuries, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the ongoing conflict. The IDF claimed to be targeting a Hamas command center in the building, while Hamas denied the presence of any such center, calling it a massacre. The strikes caused extensive damage to the building, which was sheltering around 4,200 displaced people, leading to difficulties in identifying bodies and treating the injured due to a lack of medical equipment. The U.N. reported that 477 out of 564 schools in Gaza have been damaged during the conflict. Efforts to de-escalate tensions and achieve a cease-fire are ongoing, with mediators like the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt pushing for a diplomatic solution. The strike on the school was widely condemned, with international actors expressing concern over the civilian casualties. In response, the U.S. stated that it will provide Israel with $3.5 billion in military aid. The Palestinian mission to the U.N. held the U.S. responsible for the attack, citing the military aid provided to Israel as contributing to the violence against civilians. The situation remains tense as both Israel and Hamas continue to engage in conflict, with calls for immediate action to prevent further loss of life.

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