The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened as recent Israeli airstrikes have led to devastating civilian casualties. At least 54 Palestinians were killed overnight in two separate attacks, one of which struck a school sheltering displaced families. As the conflict escalates, the death toll continues to rise, drawing concern from international organizations and world leaders.
Impact on Educational Institutions and Children
Among the most tragic incidents was the bombing of the Fahmi Al-Jargawi school in Gaza City. The school, which had become a refuge for hundreds of displaced residents from Beit Lahia, was reduced to rubble after being struck during the night. According to Gaza’s civil defense authorities, at least 20 bodies were pulled from the debris — many of them children. Two classrooms used as makeshift living spaces were set ablaze, leaving victims severely burned.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed responsibility, stating the school housed a “Hamas and Islamic Jihad command and control center.” They further accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields, a claim that remains highly controversial given the high number of non-combatant casualties.
Destruction of Residential Areas and Family Losses
Tragedy also struck in northern Gaza’s Jabalia, where an airstrike on a residential house claimed the lives of 19 people. Among the victims were Dr. Alaa Al-Najjar’s nine children, ranging from just a few months to 12 years old. Her husband remains in critical condition, and her 11-year-old son was also injured.
Local reports identified other prominent victims, including Mohammad Al-Qasih, the head of investigations for Hamas police, who was killed alongside his wife and children. The widespread destruction has left many neighborhoods unrecognizable and families shattered.
International Response and Humanitarian Challenges
The Red Cross confirmed that two of its staff were killed in an airstrike on their home in Khan Younis. Ibrahim Eid and Ahmed Abu Hilal, both stationed at the Rafah field hospital, were killed in what the ICRC described as further evidence of the “unbearable civilian death toll” in Gaza. The organization continues to call for an immediate ceasefire.
Meanwhile, international aid efforts have been met with logistical and ethical challenges. Jake Wood, executive director of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, resigned from his post, citing concerns that aid distribution plans failed to meet humanitarian standards of neutrality and independence.
Despite this, the organization announced it would begin direct aid deliveries, with the goal of reaching over one million Palestinians by the end of the week.
Escalation and Ongoing Military Campaign
Since the conflict reignited on October 7, 2023, after a deadly Hamas-led attack in Israel, the situation has steadily deteriorated. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military campaign. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 53,000 people have been killed, including over 16,500 children.
Israel initially imposed a full blockade on Gaza, later allowing limited aid after international pressure. Still, humanitarian groups argue that the current level of support — approximately 388 aid trucks since Monday — is far below the 500–600 daily shipments needed.
