In a tragic escalation of violence, 26 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes that hit a mosque and a school in central Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The strikes targeted the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Mosque and Ibn Rushd School in Deir al-Balah, which were housing displaced Palestinians. Dozens of others were also injured in the attack.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strikes, stating that the targets were Hamas militants using the mosque and school as command and control centers. This comes as part of Israel’s broader military operation against Hamas, particularly in north Gaza, where Israeli forces surrounded Jabalia in response to what they described as Hamas efforts to rebuild.
Videos from the mosque show bodies among rubble and bloodstains, while footage from the school depicts the building in flames, with emergency responders rescuing the injured. Earlier reports indicated 21 deaths in the mosque strike alone, with a significant number of injuries.
Sunday’s violence marks a grim anniversary—exactly one year since the deadly Hamas attack on Israel in 2023, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages. Since the conflict began, over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed, and thousands more have been injured.
The ongoing conflict has led to significant civilian casualties, with both sides accusing each other of using civilian infrastructure for military purposes. While the IDF has opened evacuation routes and expanded a humanitarian zone in southern Gaza, the situation remains dire for those caught in the conflict.
The international community must urgently step in to mediate a ceasefire and ensure the protection of civilians. Humanitarian aid and access to impartial reporting are crucial in addressing the escalating crisis.


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