An attack on a house in central Gaza killed at least 13 people, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency.
A school in Gaza City, repurposed as a shelter for displaced families, was also struck, leaving eight dead, including four children.
The Israeli military claimed on social media that the Musa bin Nusair school compound housed a Hamas command center.
A displaced man, Abu, staying at the school, described the attack: “We were sleeping peacefully, then suddenly we woke up to the sound of a very powerful explosion.”
Another survivor, Mahmoud, recounted: “Stones and shrapnel were flying, the school’s walls fell on our heads.”
In northern Gaza, the Kamal Adwan hospital came under threat, with its director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, reporting damage to generators and claims of Israeli targeting of its fuel tank.
The World Health Organization (WHO) head, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, urged the Israeli forces to halt attacks near the hospital, stating, “We call for an immediate ceasefire in the vicinity of the hospital and to protect the patients and health workers.”
Pope Francis condemned the Israeli attacks, expressing sorrow over “the machine-gunning of children and the bombing of schools and hospitals.”
Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza has killed at least 45,259 Palestinians and wounded 107,627 since October 7, 2023.
Palestinian resistance groups indicated a potential ceasefire deal was “closer than ever.” But Israel has yet to comment on reports of evacuation orders for the hospital or the ceasefire discussions.