Deadly Incident at Gaza School Raises Fresh Fears Over Civilian Safety

Six Palestinians were killed after Israeli troops opened fire near a school in Gaza where displaced families had been sheltering, according to local hospital officials, adding to growing concern over the safety of civilians amid ongoing fighting.

Medical staff said the victims were brought to nearby hospitals following the incident, which took place at a school being used as a refuge by people who had fled their homes. Several others were reported wounded, though exact figures remained unclear as emergency services continued to respond.

Witnesses said the school was crowded with families seeking protection from the fighting, a situation that has become increasingly common as large parts of Gaza have been damaged or rendered uninhabitable. Aid groups have repeatedly warned that shelters such as schools are under severe strain and offer limited protection.

The Israeli military said its forces were operating in the area against militant threats and has previously stated that armed groups often operate from within civilian zones, a claim that Palestinian officials and humanitarian organizations strongly dispute.

Hospital officials and local authorities condemned the incident, calling for greater protection of civilians and facilities sheltering displaced people. They said the deaths underscored the worsening humanitarian situation and the lack of safe spaces for civilians.

The incident comes as international pressure grows for restraint and renewed efforts to protect non-combatants. As fighting continues, schools, hospitals, and other civilian sites remain caught in the violence, deepening the humanitarian crisis facing Gaza’s population.

Author: M.J