Israeli genocidal attacks have escalated dramatically, leading to the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians, predominantly women and children, and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip.​

On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes targeted three schools in Gaza City—Dar al-Arqam, Fahd Al-Sabah, and a third unidentified institution—where hundreds of displaced Palestinian families had sought refuge. The attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 33 civilians, including 18 children, and left over 100 others injured. The Gaza Government Media Office condemned these strikes as deliberate massacres against vulnerable populations. ​

In addition to the school bombings, Israeli forces conducted heavy artillery shelling in various neighborhoods, including al-Tuffah, Shujayea, and areas west of Khan Younis and Rafah. These assaults claimed the lives of at least 112 Palestinians within a 24-hour period, with a significant number being women and children. ​

The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that 15 medical and humanitarian workers were killed by Israeli forces, raising serious concerns about potential war crimes. The organization's president labeled these killings as "one of the darkest moments" of the ongoing conflict. ​

The Gaza Health Ministry announced that the death toll has surpassed 50,000, with over 114,000 wounded since the conflict's escalation. The Government Media Office estimates the number of fatalities to exceed 61,700, accounting for those presumed dead beneath the rubble. The relentless Israeli blockade has crippled the health sector, rendering hospitals non-functional and leaving the wounded without essential medical care. ​

Israeli authorities have issued evacuation orders for several neighborhoods in Gaza City, compelling approximately 280,000 Palestinians to flee their homes since the ceasefire was broken on March 18. The United Nations estimates that 64% of Gaza is now off-limits to civilians, exacerbating the already dire displacement crisis. ​

Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed grave concern over Israel's actions, stating that the siege on Gaza may amount to the use of starvation as a method of warfare. He called for an independent investigation into the killings of medical workers and emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable for violations of international law. ​

The international community continues to witness the devastating impact of Israel's military campaign on the Palestinian population, with calls for immediate cessation of hostilities and adherence to international humanitarian standards growing louder. (ILKHA)