At least 22 individuals perished in an Israeli airstrike targeting a multi-building complex in Gaza.
A representative from Gaza's Civil Defense, Mahmoud Basal, reported that a missile struck the Al-Zaytoun School, situated close to Gaza City, where countless individuals were seeking refuge.
According to the Gaza Media Office, the incident resulted in the tragic loss of 13 children, including an infant only 3 months old. Additional children suffered injuries severe enough to require amputations, the GMO informed.
The Israeli military asserted that the compound was being utilized as a Hamas command center, and efforts were made to minimize civilian casualties in the process.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated, "Aircraft carried out a precise strike on terrorists operating within a Hamas command and control center in Gaza City."
"The command and control center, integrated within a structure that previously served as the Al Falah School, was employed by Hamas terrorists for planning and executing terrorist attacks," the IDF added.
CNN could not independently confirm the presence of Hamas operatives within the compound. Over time, the IDF has frequently accused Hamas of utilizing schools and hospitals as operational bases.
A CNN stringer documenting the aftermath reported that Civil Defense officials suggested at least 20 individuals had perished. Footage from the scene depicted numerous casualties as medical personnel navigated through debris.
A woman staying at the school shared her story with CNN, "There was no warning. We were in the schools, and suddenly missiles started raining down on us. There was no warning. Where is the conscience?"
She further added, "My message is that this war and the bloodshed should awaken you. All of you are numb and don’t feel anything ... No schools, no hospitals, no food, no water. Shame on you."
A girl named Amal, also sheltering at the school, inquired, "What have we, the children, done to wake up and sleep in fear? At least stop the bombing of schools. We have no schools, no homes — where should we go?"
"Everyone was martyred, all of them were martyred, torn to pieces," she conveyed her emotions.
"The Arab countries are afraid and don’t want to intervene — why are you scared? What is our fault? Call for a truce and end this. What’s wrong with you?" Amal questioned.
The current escalation in tensions between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has led Israel to persist in operations within Gaza, aiming to dismantle Hamas following the October 7 attacks, which resulted in the alleged killing of a prominent Hamas operative and several other militants.
The IDF also declared on Saturday that they had recently discovered "armed militants" looting a humanitarian aid truck in the Rafah region, without specifying a date.
While securing the humanitarian route, the IDF stated, "Troops identified armed militants looting a humanitarian aid truck. In a swift operation, the troops directed drones that located the militants fleeing in a car, and they were eliminated by IAF aircraft."
The security of humanitarian convoys is a concern for aid organizations, with looting being a recurring issue.
Khader Al-Za’anoun of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, provided reporting assistance.
The international community should Condemn these escalating actions in the Middle East, as schools and civil areas continue to be targeted in the world. The Middle East is witnessing a high number of civilians suffering due to the ongoing conflict.
