The Israel Air Force conducted airstrikes targeting a mosque and a school in central Gaza on Sunday morning, escalating the conflict in the densely populated territory. The strikes reportedly killed at least 24 people and injured 93 others, according to the Hamas-run Gaza government’s media office. The attack hit the Shuhada al-Aqsa Mosque and the Ibn Rushd School, both of which were sheltering displaced civilians near the al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah.
Israeli Military Response
In a statement released after the strikes, the Israeli military confirmed that it had conducted “precise strikes on Hamas terrorists” who were using the mosque and school as command and control centers for their operations. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the airstrike was part of their ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas’ military infrastructure embedded within civilian areas. “We will continue to target Hamas wherever it hides, including in civilian sites, while making every effort to minimize civilian casualties,” the IDF said.
The IDF emphasized that both the mosque and school had been used by Hamas militants to coordinate attacks, making them legitimate military targets under international law. Despite this justification, the strikes have drawn international condemnation due to the civilian death toll and the destruction of facilities that were being used as shelters.
Civilian Casualties and Impact on Gaza
Medical officials in Gaza reported that all of the deceased were men, and among the wounded were at least two individuals in critical condition. The airstrikes occurred as thousands of displaced Gazans sought refuge in schools and mosques, which they believed would be safe from the ongoing conflict. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that the overall death toll in Gaza has risen to nearly 42,000 since the conflict began, with many of the victims being women and children. However, the Ministry does not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties.
Local residents expressed grief and anger as they faced the devastation left by the airstrikes. “These places were supposed to protect us, but now we are nowhere to go,” one resident of Deir al-Balah told reporters. “The situation is unbearable, and more innocent lives are being lost every day.”
Widening Conflict in the Region
The airstrike in central Gaza is part of a broader escalation of violence in the region. In addition to operations in Gaza, Israel has also been conducting airstrikes in neighboring Lebanon, where Hezbollah militants have been launching rocket attacks into Israeli territory. On Saturday, Israel bombarded multiple sites in southern Beirut and other Hezbollah strongholds, further complicating the already volatile situation.
The Israel-Hamas war, which has now entered its second year, shows no signs of abating. Thousands of Palestinians in Lebanon, including refugees, have been forced to flee their homes as the conflict spreads. Both Hezbollah and Hamas have vowed to continue their resistance against Israeli airstrikes, leading to fears of further destabilization across the region.
International Reactions and Calls for Ceasefire
The airstrikes on civilian facilities in Gaza have sparked international concern. Humanitarian organizations have called for an immediate ceasefire, urging both sides to prioritize the safety of civilians. The United Nations has repeatedly warned that the conflict is causing immense human suffering and that the destruction of civilian infrastructure only exacerbates the crisis.
France, the European Union, and several other Western nations have condemned the attacks on civilian areas but have also acknowledged Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah. Nonetheless, global leaders are pushing for de-escalation, fearing that continued military actions could spiral into a broader regional war.
The Future of the Conflict
As Israel continues its campaign against Hamas in Gaza, the humanitarian toll is growing by the day. Hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed, and aid organizations are struggling to provide essential services amid the destruction. The strikes on schools and mosques are adding to the mounting pressure on international bodies to broker peace talks between the two sides.
Despite calls for peace, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that his government will not halt its military efforts until Hamas is fully neutralized. In contrast, Hamas has vowed to keep fighting against what it calls Israeli aggression, leaving little room for optimism about a ceasefire in the near future.
As the conflict continues to rage, both sides face increasing international scrutiny, particularly in light of the significant civilian casualties and damage to vital infrastructure in Gaza. Whether diplomatic efforts can bring an end to the violence remains to be seen, but for now, the conflict shows no signs of slowing down.
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