A tragic incident unfolded in Gaza City as Israeli forces bombed a school sheltering displaced families, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 Palestinian orphans and widows. These innocent victims had already lost their primary caregivers in previous Israeli attacks. The orphan sponsorship program they were part of brought them to the school to receive financial assistance.
The Gaza-based government media office condemned the attack as part of Israel’s ongoing war against civilians, highlighting that 181 schools-turned-shelters have been bombed since the conflict began nearly a year ago. The Palestinian health ministry reported 22 fatalities and 30 injuries, including children who suffered amputations and severe burns.
Witnesses described the heartbreaking scene of women and children being struck by rockets while at the school. Israeli military claimed the attack targeted “terrorists,” despite the civilian casualties. Another strike on a health ministry storage facility resulted in the deaths of three health workers.
The grim statistics reveal the devastating toll of the conflict, with over 41,000 Palestinians killed, including numerous children, women, health professionals, aid workers, and journalists. The international community must urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.