Israeli Strike on School-Shelter in Gaza Claims 17 Lives, Say Palestinian Officials

An Israeli airstrike on a school serving as a shelter in Gaza's Nuseirat camp resulted in the deaths of at least 17 Palestinians, including an 11-month-old baby, with 32 others injured. The attack occurred as part of ongoing military operations that have intensified since October 7, 2023.

In related violence, Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported one death and five injuries from over 17 Israeli strikes on southern Beirut suburbs, causing the collapse of six buildings without prior warning. According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, the conflict has claimed more than 770 Palestinian lives, with approximately 1,000 individuals wounded as military actions continue in Jabalia and throughout northern Gaza.

Since the onset of the conflict, at least 42,847 Palestinians have been killed, with over 100,544 injured due to Israeli military actions. The Israeli side reports approximately 1,139 fatalities and over 200 captives taken during the Hamas-led attacks.

The airstrike on the school in Nuseirat, which was housing displaced persons, resulted in significant casualties, including seven children and three women, according to Palestinian medical officials. Awda Hospital reported 42 injuries from this attack. The Israeli military has not commented on the incident.

Israel has previously targeted schools repurposed as shelters, asserting that its strikes aim to eliminate Hamas militants believed to be hiding among civilians. However, such actions often result in civilian casualties, predominantly affecting women and children.

The conflict erupted when Hamas militants launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people, mainly civilians, along with the abduction of about 250 individuals. Currently, around 100 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, with a third presumed dead.

Gaza’s Health Ministry indicates that over 42,000 Palestinians have died as a result of the Israeli offensive, which has led to mass displacement, with nearly 90% of the 2.3 million population of Gaza being uprooted multiple times. Many are now living in overcrowded tent camps along the coastline, as extensive bombing has leveled entire neighborhoods.

Negotiations for a ceasefire, facilitated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, have stalled over the summer. The war has also spread to Lebanon, where Israeli forces initiated a ground invasion more than three weeks ago after ongoing clashes with the Hezbollah militant group.

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Qatar, marking his 11th trip to the region since the onset of the war. The U.S. aims to revive negotiations following the recent Israeli strike that killed top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, though neither side has shown willingness to soften their demands.

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