Israeli Airstrikes Target Schools and Displaced Persons in Gaza
On November 9, 2024, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of ten Palestinians, including women and children, when they bombed a school and tents sheltering displaced individuals in Gaza City and Khan Yunis. The Israeli military's ongoing operations have led to widespread displacement, particularly affecting those trapped in the northern Gaza Strip. Reports indicate that the situation is dire, with international warnings of an imminent famine threatening the lives of many.
The Al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City was one of the hardest hit, where an airstrike on the Fahd Al-Sabah School, which was housing displaced persons, resulted in a rising death toll. Initial reports confirmed three fatalities, but Al-Aqsa TV later reported that the number had increased to five. Eyewitness accounts and footage shared on social media depicted the tragic aftermath, showing the bodies of victims, including children, in the aftermath of the bombing.
In Khan Yunis, five additional Palestinians were killed in an attack on tents that were home to displaced families in the Al Mawasi area. The Israeli military has been conducting extensive bombardments across northern Gaza as part of its ongoing military campaign that began on October 5, 2023. This has included artillery strikes and air raids on various locations, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis Amid Military Operations
The continuous bombardment has forced thousands of residents from areas such as Jabalia and Beit Lahia to flee towards Gaza City, while many remain trapped and under siege without access to food or medical assistance. The Israeli army has previously ordered evacuations in anticipation of further military operations, citing the need to respond to rocket fire from those regions.
Since the escalation of conflict on October 7, 2023, the toll on civilians has been devastating, with over 43,000 reported deaths and more than 103,000 injuries, as stated by local authorities. The crisis continues to unfold, with thousands still unaccounted for under the rubble of destroyed buildings. As military actions persist, the plight of the civilian population in Gaza remains critical, drawing international concern and calls for humanitarian intervention.
