At least 30 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Thursday, targeting schools and a refugee camp in Gaza, according to the territory’s civil defense agency. Hundreds of displaced individuals were sheltering in the Shabaan al-Rayes and Al-Karama schools in eastern Gaza City when the strikes hit, leaving children and women among the victims.
Another attack in the Al-Shati refugee camp killed 13 people as they gathered to fill water, while a separate strike on a home in Al-Daraj claimed four more lives. Over 30 people were injured in these attacks, adding to the humanitarian crisis.
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The conflict, ongoing for more than 14 months, has led to at least 45,129 deaths, mostly civilians, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry and verified by the United Nations. Despite international mediation efforts led by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, a ceasefire remains elusive.
U.S. officials expressed “cautious optimism” earlier this week about a potential truce, while talks also aim to secure the release of hostages held by militants in Gaza.
