Israeli airstrikes targeted the Dar al-Arqam school in Gaza City's al-Tuffah neighborhood on Thursday afternoon, slaughtering at least 29 innocent Palestinians and wounding over 70 others.

This brutal assault on a sanctuary for displaced families underscores Israel's blatant disregard for Palestinian lives and international law.​

Among the martyrs were 18 defenseless children, a woman, and an elderly individual, as reported by Gaza's Government Media Office. This atrocity is part of a systematic campaign, with the occupation forces having targeted 229 displacement and shelter centers to date, flagrantly violating international conventions designed to protect civilians in conflict zones.​

The timing of this savage attack exacerbates an already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The health sector teeters on the brink of collapse due to the deliberate destruction of hospitals and the inhumane blockade imposed by Israel, severely hindering medical aid to the wounded. ​

This incident adds to the escalating civilian toll in Gaza. In the past 24 hours, Israeli strikes have resulted in nearly 100 Palestinian deaths, with a significant number being women and children. Since mid-March, over 1,160 Palestinians have been killed due to intensified Israeli military operations. ​

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly. The health sector is on the brink of collapse, with hospitals struggling to operate due to infrastructure damage and shortages of medical supplies. The blockade has further exacerbated the crisis, hindering the delivery of essential aid and services to the affected population.

The relentless and random bombardment has forced mass displacement, particularly in eastern Al-Shuja'iya, as families flee for their lives amid escalating attacks. ​

The international community must not remain silent in the face of these egregious war crimes. Immediate and decisive action is imperative to hold Israel accountable for its systematic targeting of Palestinian civilians and infrastructure. The ongoing impunity granted to the occupation forces only emboldens further atrocities against the Palestinian people.​

The blood of Gaza's children cries out for justice. It is incumbent upon all nations and international bodies to stand in solidarity with Palestine, to demand an end to the occupation's barbaric actions, and to work towards a future where Palestinian lives are valued and protected. (ILKHA)