Israeli Strike Kills Multiple Civilians Sheltering in School Near Gaza City

An Israeli airstrike hit the Asmaa school west of Gaza City, resulting in multiple fatalities, Gaza’s Civil Defense reported. Video from the scene showed several casualties, including two children and others appearing lifeless on the ground.

The Hamas-led Government Media Office later confirmed that three of those killed were associated with Hamas-affiliated media. Civil Defense teams were able to retrieve several bodies and injured individuals, and rescuers continue to search for those trapped beneath the rubble.

The Al-Shati refugee camp’s school compound, which shelters hundreds of displaced people, has reportedly been struck multiple times. CNN has requested a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) about the incident. Previously, the IDF stated that it targets Hamas operatives in such areas because Hamas places its infrastructure within civilian regions deliberately.

Meanwhile, renewed Israeli military activity in northern Gaza has caused further displacement and casualties, with aid cut off in some areas, according to Gaza officials. The UN’s human rights chief has described the ongoing conflict in northern Gaza as reaching its “darkest moment.”