Israeli Airstrike Hits Gaza School Shelter, Causing Significant Casualties

Aug-10- In a recent escalation of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, an Israeli airstrike has reportedly resulted in a significant loss of life in Gaza. The strike targeted a shelter located within a school in Gaza City’s Daraj district, according to local sources.

Gaza’s Hamas-controlled civil defense agency reported that the airstrike on Saturday killed at least 90 people and injured dozens more. The agency’s spokesperson, Mahmud Bassal, described the situation as a “horrific massacre” and noted that rescue operations were hampered by the fire caused by the strike. Initial reports indicated that the attack occurred during dawn prayers, exacerbating the number of casualties.

The Israeli military, however, claimed that the strike was aimed at a Hamas command center embedded within the school. They stated that their target was a Hamas command and control center, not the civilian shelter itself. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had earlier reported targeting similar facilities located in schools in Gaza City as part of their broader military campaign against Hamas.

The escalation of violence follows a recent major attack by Hamas on Israel, which occurred on October 7, 2024. In that incident, Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, leading to a severe Israeli military response. Since then, the conflict has intensified, with significant casualties reported on both sides. The ongoing Israeli offensive has reportedly resulted in over 39,600 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.

The situation remains volatile, with continuous clashes and airstrikes contributing to the high death toll and extensive destruction in the region.