Israeli forces bombed a refugee school in Gaza’s al-Daraj neighborhood, killing at least 32 people and wounding over 50 others, as the humanitarian crisis in the enclave deepens. The attack on the Fahmi al-Jarjawi school, where displaced families had sought shelter, is the latest in Israel’s relentless military campaign against Gaza’s civilian population.

According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, victims of the strike included children and entire families, many burned beyond recognition by bunker-busting missiles that tore through the upper floors and obliterated the refugee quarters below.

Rescuers recovered 20 children’s bodies, while survivors described the attack as an indiscriminate massacre.

Many displaced Palestinians at the school had fled Beit Lahia, seeking refuge only to be killed in what was supposed to be a safe shelter. Local reports confirm that, moments before the school was bombed, an Israeli airstrike leveled a residential building on Thawra Street, killing four civilians. Another attack on Jabalia killed 15 members of the Abd Rabbo family, including displaced victims trapped in their destroyed home.

Israeli media sources have stated the military campaign will continue for months, aiming to forcibly displace Gaza’s population southward while maintaining occupation of areas seized by Israeli forces.

Israel’s military justified the school bombing, claiming it was targeting “key terrorists”—a claim dismissed by Palestinian officials, who insist the true victims were civilians, mostly children.

The UN and international humanitarian organizations have condemned Israel’s repeated attacks on schools and hospitals, stressing that civilian facilities must be protected under international humanitarian law.

Since the start of Israel’s offensive on October 7, 2023, at least 53,939 Palestinians have been killed and 122,797 wounded, with hunger, displacement, and blocked humanitarian aid worsening conditions for millions.

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